Sandra Bullock collaborated with Nicole Kidman only once in her career, in the 1998 fantasy film, Practical Magic. It was Bullock’s first time playing alongside another female lead, and she revealed that it was her suggestion to cast Kidman in the movie. Bullock’s instinctive choice proved memorable for both actresses, despite the film failing to make an impact at the box office.
The duo played two witch sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, in this film adaptation of Alice Hoffman’s novel of the same name. The film received negative reviews and grossed $68.3 million, falling short of its $75 million budget. However, over the years, the film gained a cult following, and people started to appreciate it more.
Sandra Bullock Suggested Nicole Kidman Play The Sister Role In Practical Magic
Sandra Bullock was an established star in Hollywood after her blockbuster film Speed. When Griffin Dunne approached her to star as one of the two Owens sisters in Practical Magic, Bullock immediately thought of Nicole Kidman for the role of her sister. At the time, Kidman was more popular as Tom Cruise’s wife. Bullock explained her choice of Kidman in the DVD commentary of the movie.
Bullock believed that they embodied opposite energies. The Blind Side actress felt that casting Kidman would bring a balance to their characters, as Kidman had what she wanted, and vice versa. Although she couldn’t explain why she particularly thought of the Aquaman actress, Bullock believed that everything eventually worked out. The Proposal actress shared (via E! news):
“I was like, ‘Nicole Kidman seems like the perfect person.’ Our energies are so opposite that we needed what the other person had. I know I needed what she had. I don’t know why I thought of her or why that worked, it’s just one of those things, those magical things.”
Kidman was also content working with Bullock, sharing that she had only worked with men until then. When the Eyes Wide Shut actress was offered the role, she admitted thinking to herself, “Wow, that sounds fun and I want to work with a girl!”.
Despite having no prior connections before Practical Magic, they developed a chemistry on set. Bullock later revealed that even though they never worked together again after that film, they always shared the sisterly bond from the film.
Nicole Kidman Got Sandra Bullock And Others Drunk During A Scene
Sandra Bullock also revealed in the DVD commentary about the time when Nicole Kidman got all the leading ladies in the movie drunk. In one of the iconic scenes in the movie, both Kidman and Bullock, along with actresses Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, indulge in a midnight margaritas session. While filming the scene, the four of them drank actual tequila brought by Kidman.
Director Griffin Dunne revealed to Vanity Fair that the entire crew joined in on the ‘margarita/tequila’ party. He shared that it was the last shot of the day, and everyone joined in dancing. He even admitted to taking some shots of tequila. Dunne revealed that there were many more interesting stories from the Practical Magic set, some of which included supernatural disturbances.
Practical Magic received a cult following over the years, but it essentially ended the directorial career of Griffin Dunne. The film is now available for rent on AppleTV+.
