Nicole Kidman was criticised by fans over her red carpet appearance at the Practical Magic 2 premiere in London on Wednesday night.
The 59-year-old actress arrived at the Leicester Square Odeon wearing a custom silver Chanel gown with jewelled draping detail across the bust. She teamed the dress with gold strappy sandals and wore a hairpiece to create a long wispy fringe.
Leicester Square, located in London's West End, is a historic entertainment district renowned worldwide for hosting major film premieres. Chanel, founded by Coco Chanel in Paris in 1910, is one of the world's premier luxury fashion houses.
Social media criticism over red carpet looks
Several onlookers criticized Nicole's look, claiming the shimmering frock did not suit the star. "Not one of Nicole's best looks. That wig is awful and so is her makeup," one fan wrote. Another commenter stated: "The Chanel dress is divine but would look better on someone with a tan."
A third critic added: "I think Nicole has lost her way. Trying to look 20 rather than embracing her real age and being a beautiful real woman!"
Some fans also expressed disappointment with co-star Sandra Bullock, who wore a strapless leopard print gown. Viewers described both actresses' outfits as over the top, with one writing: "They look like they have raided a drag queen's closet!"
Other social media users focused on Nicole's behavior on the red carpet, comparing her affection toward Sandra to previous public appearances with her ex-husband Keith Urban before their divorce. "For a moment, Nicole thought Sandra was Keith with her odd posing," one commenter remarked, while another added: "Ugh, Nicole is always clinging onto someone."
Despite the negative comments, many supporters defended the Hollywood icons. One fan declared: "That's the magic right there." Others praised their appearance, with comments including "Nicole and Sandra both look stunning" and "They both look amazing."
Practical Magic sequel plot and returning cast
The premiere marks the return of Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock for their much-anticipated sequel project. The original 1998 fantasy film Practical Magic featured the duo as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, who were raised by their aunts as witches and frequently found themselves at the centre of town gossip.
The new film, scheduled for theatrical release next month, is set more than 25 years after the events of the original movie. Nicole reprises her role as Sally Owens, while Sandra returns as her sister Gillian.
The sequel properly introduces the next generation of the Owens family through Gillian's on-screen daughters, Kylie and Antonia, played by actresses Joey King and Maisie Williams respectively.
The screenplay is adapted from author Alice Hoffman's 2021 sequel novel, The Book of Magic. Susanne Bier is directing the film, reuniting with Nicole after previously directing her in the Netflix miniseries The Perfect Couple. Both Nicole and Sandra also served as producers on the new production, following Nicole's initial confirmation in 2024 that a sequel was in development.
Surprise appearance at Los Angeles cemetery screening
Earlier this month, Nicole and Sandra surprised moviegoers by appearing together at a Cinespia outdoor screening of their original 1998 film at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
A behind-the-scenes video clip shared on Instagram showed the crowd erupting with excitement as both women walked onto the stage. The event served as an early promotional appearance ahead of the sequel's upcoming release.
During the event, Sandra told attendees that "Practical Magic is the perfect movie to show at a cemetery," according to an account by The Hollywood Reporter. Nicole also expressed her gratitude to the crowd, thanking them for their support in "getting this second film made that's coming to you very soon."
