Practical Magic 2 Conjures Box Office Magic in U.K. and Ireland

Warner Bros.' highly anticipated Practical Magic 2 has officially cast its spell over the U.K. and Ireland box office, unseating the reigning champion, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, after a six-week run. The sequel, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, conjured an impressive opening weekend of £2.7 million ($3.7 million), proving that the magic of the Owens sisters still holds considerable power for audiences across the pond.

Globally, Practical Magic 2 opened with a more modest $46 million, though its U.S. debut of $28 million fell short of expectations. However, the film's performance in the U.K. and Ireland suggests a strong international following for the romantic fantasy sequel, which also welcomes new faces like Joey King and Lee Pace alongside returning favorites Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing. Directed by Susanne Bier and penned by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel, the film is based on Alice Hoffman's 2021 novel, The Book of Magic.

A Different Kind of Spectacle

Following closely in second place was Disney's concert documentary, Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger. The film captured the hearts of fans, grossing $8.2 million worldwide, with a significant $3.6 million coming from the U.K. alone, making it the band's home country its top foreign territory. The documentary's success is a testament to the enduring legacy of the iconic band and the appeal of seeing their journey on the big screen. Notably, IMAX played a significant role in the film's domestic performance, representing 71% of its opening weekend gross in the U.S. and driving 14% of the U.K. gross by the end of Saturday.

The strong performance of both Practical Magic 2 and Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger demonstrates a diverse appetite among audiences in the U.K. and Ireland. While one offers a dose of supernatural romance and nostalgia, the other provides an intimate look at a legendary musical act, proving that compelling storytelling, whether fictional or factual, can still draw crowds to cinemas.

What This Means for Fans

For fans of the original Practical Magic, the sequel's strong international opening is a welcome sign, suggesting that the beloved characters and their magical world continue to resonate. The film's success in the U.K. and Ireland might also indicate a potential for a stronger performance in other international markets as its release expands. Meanwhile, the Oasis documentary's chart-topping position in its home country underscores the deep connection fans have with the band and their music, offering a shared cinematic experience for dedicated followers.

What's Next

As Practical Magic 2 continues its international rollout, audiences will be watching to see if its magical charm can sustain its box office momentum. For Oasis fans, the documentary's success suggests that concert films and music-focused documentaries remain a potent force in theatrical releases.