Essex plays starring role
An Essex railway and church star in the sequel to the much-loved Hollywood blockbuster, ‘Practical Magic’.
Essex railway starred in Practical Magic 2!
Essex has been the star of many film and TV shows from ‘Knives Out’ starring Daniel Craig to ‘The Essex Serpent’ with Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes. Now, Hollywood greats Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock plus rising stars, Joey King and Lee Pace, have been filming in the county for ‘Practical Magic 2’.
Taking centre stage for this new film is the Epping and Ongar Railway and St Mary and All Saints Church in Lambourne near Abridge. The Warner Bros film reunites sisters Sally and Gillian Owens as they embark on another magical adventure. This time part of their journey takes them through the English countryside by train.
Councillor Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Heritage, Essex County Council, said: “It’s amazing to see historic locations in Essex making it to the big screen. The county has so much to offer, from pretty villages, historic settings to stunning countryside.”
He continued: “We’re very pleased with the uplift in TV and film production across the county. The Essex Film Office has helped to develop this growth. Every day the team are supporting production teams to find the right locations, navigate logistics, and are attracting more film crews to the county.”
Filming took place during spring and summer of 2025. Getting the setting right was top of the agenda. The film crews were supported by the team at Essex Film Office and Epping and Ongar Railway.
Robert Bentley, Operations Manager, Epping and Ongar Railway, said: “We’ve had a fair bit of filming here on the railway over the years, but nothing quite as big as this production. Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock were filmed in one of our carriages, which is amazing! I’m really proud that our heritage railway has contributed to such a big Hollywood film.”
Not only did filming take place at the historic railway; the selected carriage was also carefully lifted onto a low-loader and transported to Warner Bros Studios in Leavesdon, where it was reassembled on set and became a key part of the production.
Robert Bentley also accompanied the carriage on its journey; it was a once in a lifetime experience. He added: “It was the first time I ‘d ever been on a film set in a studio. It was an amazing experience. Everyone was incredibly friendly and focused on working together to create something special.”
Epping Ongar Railway has gained popularity among film and TV producers. Its beautifully preserved stations, vintage rolling stock and authentic period atmosphere have made it an appealing and versatile film location. Last Christmas it appeared in ‘Man vs Baby’ and ‘Death in Paradise’ festive specials.
St Mary and All Saints Church in Lambourne, near Abridge, also cast a spell on the film’s producers. The Grade I listed church is one of the oldest in the district and dates back to the 12th century. The producers felt the church would double as an American church. Thanks to its peaceful churchyard and ancient trees, it offered the perfect spot.
The Essex Film Office is keen for local people to benefit from the growth in film and TV production in Essex.
Erica Gilson, Manager, Essex Film Office, explains: “We’re delighted to welcome yet another Hollywood blockbuster to Essex. However, we’re not only focused on attracting productions to Essex; we’re also keen to ensure local people benefit from these opportunities.
“The Essex Film Office has recently launched a free ‘Crew Database’, helping productions filming in Essex connect directly with local talent. If you’re an experienced camera operator, make-up artist, location manager, stunt performer, production accountant or one of the many other professionals who make film and TV happen, we want to hear from you. The database makes it easier for productions to find Essex-based crew and keeps investment within the county.”
‘Practical Magic 2’ has its European premiere at Leicester Square on 26 August. The film will be in cinemas from 11 September.
For more information on filming in Essex, or adding your details to ‘Crew Database’, visit: www.essexfilmoffice.co.uk.
Pictures are copyright: Warner Bros.
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