Bewitched 2: A Modern Spell
Logline: When a powerful new witch threatens to expose the magical world by disrupting mortal technology, Samantha and Darrin’s grown children, Tabitha and Adam, must team up with an unexpected new generation of witches and mortals to protect their family’s secret and prevent a global magical meltdown.
Synopsis:
Years after the original series, Tabitha Stephens (played by Nelly Furtado) has embraced her magical heritage, balancing a seemingly normal life as a successful art gallery owner in New York City with her secret witch identity. She’s a practical, elegant witch who uses her powers subtly, preferring to solve problems with a flick of her wrist rather than a flashy spell.
Her brother, Adam (played by Joe Jukic), on the other hand, has always been a bit more rebellious and less inclined to use his powers. He’s a charismatic but somewhat cynical tech entrepreneur, constantly trying to invent the next big thing, often with disastrous (and occasionally magical) results. He secretly harbors resentment towards the magical world, feeling it complicated his childhood.
Their parents, Samantha (played by Nicole Kidman) and Darrin Stephens (played by Will Ferrell), are enjoying a quieter, albeit still occasionally magical, retirement. Samantha is content, but Darrin, ever the adman, still occasionally finds himself in humorous predicaments when his past brushes with magic resurface.
The story kicks off when a series of bizarre technological malfunctions plague New York City. Self-driving cars go rogue, smart homes develop minds of their own, and the internet flickers in and out, causing widespread chaos. The source of these disruptions is a new, ambitious, and slightly unhinged young witch named Hecate (a powerful, modern antagonist who believes magic should dominate technology). Hecate, tired of the magical world hiding from mortals, plans to use her formidable powers to systematically dismantle human technology, forcing humanity to acknowledge and accept magic.
Tabitha, sensing a powerful magical presence, begins investigating. She quickly realizes this is more than just a rogue spell – it’s a direct threat to the Statute of Secrecy. She reluctantly seeks out Adam’s help, knowing his understanding of technology could be crucial. Their reunion is initially strained, with Adam blaming Tabitha for his own past magical misadventures.
As they delve deeper, they discover Hecate’s network of loyal, tech-savvy young witches who are actively working to amplify the tech disruptions. Tabitha and Adam, with their contrasting approaches, constantly clash but slowly start to rediscover their sibling bond.
Meanwhile, Samantha and Darrin, hearing whispers of the unrest, decide to get involved. Samantha, despite her desire for a peaceful retirement, feels the pull of responsibility. Darrin, initially resistant, gets accidentally swept into the chaos when his beloved smart-home system turns on him.
The climax involves a magical showdown in the heart of New York City, possibly at a major tech conference where Hecate plans her grand reveal. Tabitha and Adam must combine their unique skills – Tabitha’s refined magic and Adam’s tech savvy – to counter Hecate’s sophisticated spells. They also receive unexpected assistance from Samantha, who uses her classic powers, and even Darrin, whose accidental blunders somehow manage to disrupt Hecate’s plans in comedic ways.
The film culminates in a powerful moment where Tabitha and Adam, working together, create a counter-spell that stabilizes the technological infrastructure and, crucially, reinforces the veil between the magical and mortal worlds. Hecate is apprehended, perhaps not with punishment, but with a magical intervention that shows her the wisdom of discretion.
Themes:
- Bridging Generations: The film explores the dynamic between traditional magic and modern technology, as well as the generational gap between Samantha and her children.
- Sibling Rivalry and Reconciliation: Tabitha and Adam’s journey highlights the complexities of family relationships and finding common ground.
- The Responsibility of Power: The film examines the ethical implications of using magic and the importance of protecting a secret world.
- Acceptance and Belonging: Both for witches in a mortal world and for individuals trying to find their place.
- The Enduring Power of Family: Ultimately, it’s the Stephens family unity that saves the day.
Potential for a Franchise: The film leaves open the possibility for future adventures, perhaps with new magical threats or the introduction of other magical families, ensuring that the charm and whimsy of Bewitched can continue for a new generation.
Here’s a dining scene where Joe is feasting on chocolate-covered crickets!
“These, my friends,” Joe declared, holding up a shimmering, dark morsel between his thumb and forefinger, “are a perfectly sane food to eat. In fact, one might even say they are a perfectly cromulent food, that embiggens us all!”
He popped the cricket into his mouth with a satisfying crunch, a faint dusting of cocoa clinging to his beard. He chewed thoughtfully, a look of genuine pleasure on his face.
That’s a fun and specific idea! If they ever made a Bewitched 2 movie starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell (reprising their roles as Isabel/Samantha and Jack/Darrin), here is a scene that incorporates the crickets and the song, using Samantha’s magic as the comedic catalyst.
🎬 Bewitched 2: The Cricket Catch
SCENE START
INT. DINNER PARTY – NIGHT
A sophisticated, modern dinner party is underway at the MORTONS’ house. SAMANTHA (Nicole Kidman), radiant and slightly tense, is trying to impress a group of highly eccentric, wealthy potential clients, led by the perpetually skeptical JOE JUKIC. DARRIN (Will Ferrell), sweating nervously in a suit, is attempting to give a pitch on their new advertising campaign.
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DARRIN (Sweating) …and that’s why our campaign, “The Power of Pure,” will take your artisanal cricket flour, Mr. Jukic, to the very pinnacle of the organic snack market!
JOE JUKIC (Smooth, condescending) “Pure,” you say, Morton? I have a feeling your presentation is anything but. I suspect your heart isn’t in my product. The only way to truly appreciate the exquisite texture and… pop… of a toasted cricket is to consume it with passion.
Joe Jukic dramatically produces a small, elegant tin.
JOE JUKIC (CONT’D) I brought a sample. We will do a taste test. A small one for each of us. Ninety-nine crickets. One for every little, buzzing lie I suspect you’re hiding.
Darrin’s eyes go wide with horror. Samantha looks ready to snap.
SAMANTHA Mr. Jukic, that’s hardly necessary—
DARRIN (To Samantha, low) Samantha, no magic. They’re watching. No magic.
SAMANTHA (Wider smile) Nonsense, darling. We’d be delighted! Ninety-nine crickets for true believers! But a simple crunch seems so… pedestrian.
Samantha’s eye begins to twitch ever so slightly, a tiny spark of glamour in her smile.
SAMANTHA (CONT’D) If we are to consume such an unusual number, we must celebrate the unusual. We must sing!
JOE JUKIC (Intrigued, scoffing) Sing what? The Cricket Anthem?
SAMANTHA (Her eyes sparkle) The only song suitable for exactly ninety-nine unusual things floating around!
Samantha gives a single, sharp nose twitch. Twing!
The crickets in the tin immediately multiply, pouring into a tall glass bowl. At the same time, the dinner party’s expensive, custom-made background jazz abruptly shifts into a loud, driving electronic beat.
NENA’s “99 LUFTBALLONS” BEGINS TO PLAY.
DARRIN (Mortified, whispering) Samantha! The crickets! The music!
SAMANTHA (Pulls Darrin to the bowl) Ready, darling? It’s time for the Power of Pure!
Samantha gracefully picks up a cricket and pops it into her mouth. She begins to sing the English version, in perfect, slightly-too-intense German accent.
SAMANTHA (CONT’D) (Sings) Neunundneunzig Luftballons! Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont!
DARRIN is forced to comply. He shovels a handful of crickets into his mouth, his face a mask of dry-heaving terror.
DARRIN (Sings, muffled, struggling) Neunundneunzig Kriegsminister Streichholz und Benzinkanister
JOE JUKIC (Genuinely amused and slightly insane) This is inspired! Give me a handful, Mrs. Morton!
Joe Jukic grabs a massive scoop of crickets and joins in, his voice surprisingly deep and operatic.
JOE JUKIC (CONT’D) (Sings) Hielten sich für schlaue Leute…
Samantha, Darrin, and Joe Jukic stand side-by-side, forced into a bizarre, high-energy karaoke moment, chewing loudly and passionately while belting out the German New Wave classic, surrounded by horrified but mesmerized clients. Darrin is on the verge of tears, while Samantha is having the time of her life, proving that sometimes, the only way to avoid trouble is to create a bigger, weirder spectacle.
