When Practical Magic 2 began preparing to return to the world of the original film, production turned to Warner Bros. Archives for materials that had helped build that world the first time.

Original blueprints, architectural drawings, props, and other production materials from the 1998 film had remained in archival care long after filming ended. For the sequel, those records became working resources again, giving production access to original design information, physical references, and artifacts from the first film.

Rebuilding the Sets from the Original Drawings

One of the largest requests involved the original blueprints and architectural drawings for the film’s sets. The collection, overseen by our US team, was already well cataloged, clearly labeled, and preserved in good condition, making it possible for Warner Bros. archivists to quickly identify the relevant material.

The blueprints captured details that are not visible in the finished film, such as structural information, measurements, and unique decorative elements. Because of the fragility of the original drawings, and the fact that filming was taking place in the United Kingdom, the decision was made to digitize the artwork rather than send the originals overseas.

Our digitization team, led by Archives Supervisor Holly McGee and Senior Manager Charlotte Thai, worked to complete the project on an accelerated timeline. In less than two weeks, the Archives delivered 152 individual scans to production. The files provided detailed reference material for rebuilding the entirety of the interior and exterior of the iconic Owens house to the exact specifications of the original set, saving production months of research and design.

Original Props as Production Reference

Original artifacts from the first film, such as Officer Gary Hallet’s star-shaped badge and Sally’s diary, were sent to the Warner Bros. Archives team in Leavesden. Our team then made these artifacts available to the Practical Magic 2 Art Department for reference and replication.

Providing physical access to the original props allowed production to examine details that can be difficult to capture in photographs alone, including scale, construction, materials, finishes, and surface treatment.

But, while most of these objects remained reference materials, one was approved for a different kind of use.

Owens Grimoire Returns to the Screen

The original Owens Family Grimoire was the only archival artifact approved for on-screen reuse in Practical Magic 2.

Allowing an original object to be used again in an active production is not standard Archives practice. Because each instance of handling has the potential to change a piece’s condition and physical history, this request for reuse required additional review. Archives staff reviewed the script, considered how the book would be used on screen, and determined that it could be loaned safely under controlled conditions.

Before leaving the collection, a detailed condition report on the book was completed. A Loan Agreement between Warner Bros. Archives and production established the terms of use, and an Archives representative remained present whenever the book was handled on set.

Preserving the Work Behind the Film

There were no plans for a Practical Magic sequel when these original pieces were first preserved by the Archives. Our team preserves the works of the artists and designers on our films, ensuring their creative legacy does not disappear when the cameras stop rolling. Here, materials created for one production remained available to inform the next, allowing the legacy of the original film to become part of the creative process once again.