Dianne Wiest reveals the Practical Magic 2 effect that didn’t quite go to plan (EXCLUSIVE)
Wiest returns as Aunt Jet alongside Stockard Channing as Aunt Frances in Practical Magic 2, nearly three decades after the original 1998 film
By Callum Wells
Dianne Wiest has revealed a behind-the-scenes mishap from filming Practical Magic 2, after a magical effect involving a set of kitchen cabinets failed to work properly.
The actor, who reprises her role as Aunt Jet in the long-awaited sequel, was asked about the film’s use of practical effects rather than relying heavily on CGI.
Wiest recalled a scene where she enters to stop Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s characters, Sally and Gillian Owens, from arguing.
“I clapped my hands and one door opened and the rest didn’t” – Dianne Wiest on the special effect that went wrong
“I clap my hands and all the cabinet doors fly open,” she explained to Attitude.
However, when it came time to film the scene, things didn’t quite go to plan.
“I clapped my hands and one door opened and the rest didn’t,” Wiest said.
The solution was to keep going until the effect finally worked.
“So, we had this continual clapping of hands until all of them finally opened,” she recalled, describing the moment as a “special effect” that was ultimately “funny”.
What is Practical Magic 2 about?
Wiest returns as Aunt Jet alongside Stockard Channing as Aunt Frances in Practical Magic 2, nearly three decades after the original 1998 film.
Practical Magic 2 brings the Owens family back to the big screen for the first time since the original film. Bullock and Kidman return as Sally and Gillian, while Joey King and Maisie Williams join the cast as the next generation of Owens women. Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod also star.
Directed by Susanne Bier, the sequel is based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic. The story sees the Owens family confront the dark curse that has haunted their lineage, with the new generation taking centre stage.
Practical Magic 2 hits UK cinemas on 11 September 2026.