Alice Hoffman on Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman and sequels

Movie

exclusive

TO Stephanie Webber

“There is a little witch inside each of us.” Practical Magic came out 25 years ago on October 16, 1998, and Alice Hoffman can’t believe it either.

The author, who brought the story of the Owens sisters to life in the 1995 novel of the same name, said making the film “feels like it happened yesterday.”

“I think the reason is because every year it gets more popular,” she told The Post. “This film has become somewhat of a cult film. And I think this film is really important for people.”

Practical Magic was directed by Griffin Dunne and stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, respectively. As they are raised by their eccentric aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Jet (Dianne Wiest), a curse threatens to find lasting love.

“When this book and movie came out, there really wasn’t as much openness to magic, especially to women in their respective roles. So it wasn’t considered literature. People heard that and weren’t as welcoming as they could have been,” Hoffman, 71, said.

“I think things have really changed now and I think magic is everywhere. And I think you’re reading more and seeing more about women who are friends and sisters and sisters. It wasn’t a time when it was very relevant and popular,” she added. “And I think that’s one of the reasons why when the movie came out it wasn’t as successful because the critics weren’t very kind to it. And I think that was the main reason. They weren’t interested in what a lot of women are interested in.”

Since then, the magical drama has taken on a life of its own, with audiences re-watching it or finding it for the first time during the Halloween season.

“It’s been kind of a slow buildup,” Hoffman told the Post. “I’m so happy, especially for Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, because I feel like they took a chance and I feel like it paid off.”

Since then, Hoffman has published two prequel novels, The Rules of Magic (2017) and Lessons in Magic (2020), as well as one sequel, The Book of Magic (2021).

And while she and the two Oscar winners haven’t crossed paths since the film’s debut, she hopes they’ll all reunite on set one day.

“I would, of course, be ready for that. I think it would be a great idea and I would love for it to be the original cast,” she said. “I know that readers, fans and the people who love them really want this to happen. And I would do anything to make it happen.”

Practical Magic also stars Goran Visnjic (Jimmy Angelov), Aidan Quinn (Gary Ballet), Mark Feuerstein (Michael), Evan Rachel Wood (Kylie), Caprice Benedetti (Maria Owens), Alexandra Artrip (Antonia), Margo Martindale ( Linda). Bennett), Laura Ann Criswell (young Gillian) and Camilla Belle (young Sally).

Read on for Hoffman’s exclusive interview with The Post.

What was your first reaction to being asked to play Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman?

I just thought you wouldn’t have any better luck. And then Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing. Incredible. And just everyone who was in it. And I’m still friends with Camilla Belle, who played the little girl. The women – I think that’s one of the things about this movie to this day, I don’t think there’s been a movie with so many strong women who have relationships with other women. And that it’s about sisterhood, strength and friendship. I just don’t think there’s anything else like it, really.

Nicole Kidman revealed that she did multiple takes for some of her scenes. What was your experience like when you were on set?

It was (the scene where) she was talking on the phone… and I just couldn’t believe how many times. … I think she did it about 30 times. It was a real shock for me to see this. But, you know, I really, unfortunately, was not often on the set. But they sent me messages and told me what was happening. I just felt like the people in the movie had a great time together. I feel like you can feel it.

What did Sandra and Nicole bring to Sally and Gillian that stood out to you from what you wrote in your book?

I always think that a book is one thing, and a film is completely different. And when you pass on your book, you’re giving it to someone else to make it theirs. And I think that’s exactly what they did. And I think they are similar, but they are also very different. And I don’t think I really had anyone in mind for the roles of Sally, Gillian, Frances or Jet. I knew Dianne before and she was so perfect and I just felt like it was perfect casting. Sometimes you just get really lucky.

This is my child. But for me it was a little different because I worked as a screenwriter for a long time. So, I realized that these are two different things, and that now it will belong to the writers, director and actors and become their property. … I remember writing a book in a little shed on a swamp, and then suddenly there were hundreds of people involved, all of whom were really important to making it happen. This is such cooperation. …It’s nice to see this happen. This is a completely different kind of art. And it’s great when they get it right. And I feel like they got it right.

When was the last time you watched Practical Magic?

Once I’ve written a book, I don’t read it anymore. And I feel like it’s going to be really hard for me to watch Practical Magic because it’s so personal. That’s why I don’t watch it with all my friends. No. Many mother and daughter friends watch it together. And what I love about it is that it’s passed down between generations.

Why is it difficult for you to return to your job?

I’m not sure. But when you’re involved in a project, you’re in that moment. But it’s a little sad because you’re not in that time anymore. When you’re an artist, you have to keep moving forward. And after that, “Practical Magic” came to life. And the reason I wrote a prequel, two prequels and a sequel is because my readers asked me to do it because they felt like it wasn’t enough. I think the same can be said about cinema. It’s really not enough. This is just the beginning.

What was the process of writing the book?

Practical Magic is unlike any other book. Since I had the title before the book even came out, I didn’t know what the book was about. I just had the title “Magic”. As a child, I was a big fan of magical books. … Usually it’s a struggle and I have to sketch and plan it, but it’s like the characters came in behind me (with it). … They just walked in and just introduced themselves, and I followed them. So I hope it happens again someday.

How many rounds of drafts and revisions has the book gone through?

It really was easier than usual. And the man I was working with wanted to change everything. And they especially wanted to shorten the last sentence, which is always quoted. (After all, Sally Owens knows some things for sure: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by the garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes.) Plant roses and lavender for good luck. Fall in love when you can.”

They wanted to cut it down. And I left. So for me, the fact that it’s really important for people, sometimes you have to keep doing what you think is right.

In terms of a possible sequel or prequel to the film, have you already thought of any actors you’d like to join?

It’s funny. I just never think about who the actor will be because I think about the characters from the inside. So I don’t really think so. I have some ideas, but I don’t want to say what they are. But you never know what will happen.

What genre of books do you prefer to read when you’re not writing your own?

I don’t have time to read! I was like a crazy reader (in the past). I never went outside without a book. And since I work all the time and write all the time, I don’t have time to read as much as I used to. I know it’s hard for me.

Did you ever have a different plan for how you would have liked Jimmy to die or be buried somewhere outside the garden?

He was always going to be buried there!

Did you receive a gift in the form of film?

Yes, they had a beautiful bag. There was Jimmy’s ring and a mug. I don’t remember everything that was there, but it was great. It was really good.

Did you have a gut feeling that readers would connect with your story?

I really did it. Love is such a complicated thing. And how sisters Gillian and Sally are so different. They are opposites, but what they really want is the same thing, which is the same thing that everyone wants. They want to be able to find love. … Love is scary and difficult for many people.

Your story has been introduced to new readers over the past 25 years. Can you put into words what this means to you?

I really feel like it’s magic. Sometimes these things just happen. This is truly rare, all the stars just aligned and it turned out exactly the way it did.