'Practical Magic 2': Maisie Williams on stepping into the world of magic

Nearly three decades after Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman first introduced audiences to the Owens sisters in 1998's "Practical Magic", it has been the strong sisterly bond displayed in that movie which has become the enduring appeal for audiences. 

Their sisterly relationship won over audiences and connected with fans in such a way, that it has allowed Bullock and Kidman to return as Sally and Gillian Owens for "Practical Magic 2".

"Practical Magic 2" draws viewers back into a world of moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic. This time, the sisters must face the dark curse threatening to unravel their family once and for all in a spellbinding cinematic event filled with fun, magic, and mayhem.

For "Game of Thrones" favourite, Maisie Williams, who joins the cast as Antonia in the highly anticipated sequel, she believes that the appeal of the Owens sisters comes from a timeless and relatable dynamic.

“The Owens sisters throughout all the generations are very yin and yang, and they balance each other out in a really beautiful way, whilst also being very, very different. They have this beautiful bond and connection with one another—I think the way that a lot of women can connect to. And I think they celebrate their differences whilst also being able to laugh at one another and themselves through it.”

For Williams, this dynamic resonates deeply. She said that she shares a similar yin and yang relationship with her own sister, in which they communicate and understand each other in a similar way, but they have chosen very different lifestyles.

In the sequel, audiences are introduced to the next generation of the Owens sisters, Antonia and Kylie (Joey King). Antonia is a dedicated medical student who hopes to become a neurosurgeon, because she is focused on science, logic and how the brain works.

At first she is unaware of and unfamiliar with the witchcraft that runs through her family’s bloodline.

“Compared to her sister, Kylie, she is slightly more reserved,” Williams said of her character.

“She definitely looks up to Kylie and perhaps longs for some of that zest in her own life, but is deeply regimented and plays it very safe.”

Antonia spends long, exhausting hours working at a hospital, which makes her feel somewhat different from her sister. Unlike her sibling, she approaches life in a careful, organised and structured way, preferring to think things through rather than act impulsively.

Williams said that it was a “gift” to find an instant and smooth off-screen connection with her co-star, King. Williams reveals they quickly became chosen sisters.

"I’ve been a fan of her work for a really long time. Being a young actress, she was the blueprint really for me and my generation. She’s like my big sister in lots of ways and has given me a lot of really beautiful advice and just really looked after me. We’ve also just had great jokes and been very silly.

“To be able to just drop those walls with one another and just be completely vulnerable has been so lovely,” Williams said.

She added that working alongside such an unbelievable actress felt like a true coming of age experience that pushed her to grow.

Williams says working with the original stars, Bullock and Kidman, was like getting a masterclass in acting. She was amazed watching Bullock use physical comedy, moving naturally through a scene while carrying a huge platter of meat.

She noted how Bullock also paid close attention to the small details of her character, Antonia. 

"Beforehand, watching her practice the moves in the scene, it was amazing, watching it all come together. And I’ll never forget the first take that we did together, we hugged each other and she’s like, 'Are you sleeping well?' I mean, Antonia’s not been sleeping, working crazy hours in a hospital. And it’s just in one tiny little sentence, her understanding of where my character is. Sandra was totally locked in,” Williams said.

Kidman, on the other hand, brought a completely different and deeply emotional energy to the set. Williams felt that Kidman brought very personal parts of herself into her portrayal of Gillian qualities that she normally only shows to the women closest to her in her personal life.

"Nicole has this unbelievable presence—almost slightly witchy, but it’s more like she can see right into your soul.”

Stepping into the Owens family universe has naturally altered Williams’ own relationship with the mystical. As she grows older, she finds herself increasingly accepting the “magic of womanhood” and its shared rituals.

Embracing the film’s enchanting themes, Williams even gifted tarot card decks to the women on set, leaving them with their own version of real-world witchy magic.

The Owens make their long‑awaited return to cinemas, with “Practical Magic 2” opening on  Friday, 11 September.

The National