Practical Magic 2's Kidman and Bullock board Essex vintage train

Rail boss 'in awe' after Kidman and Bullock scene. A call from Hollywood producers asking if film stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock could sit in a vintage railway carriage came out of the blue for station manager Robert Bentley. They called him to ask if the duo could use it for their new blockbuster, *Practical Magic 2*, a sequel to the 1998 romantic fantasy tale. While film producers were keen to feature it, they first needed the train moved from North Weald, Essex, to Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. Bentley was left 'in awe' after seeing Bullock. The 27-year-old station manager, Robert Bentley, said the train’s location and facilities were the 'perfect fit' for the film. Epping Ongar Railway has preserved its stations and carriages since closing in the 1990s, making it a popular filming location for shows like *Man vs Baby* and *Death in Paradise*. Producers scouted North Weald station for a scene with US actress Joey King and the vintage Mark 1 coach for filming last summer. Bentley described the payment as 'quite a high figure,' though not six digits. The filmmakers also cast him as the train guard. Other scenes were filmed at St Mary and All Saints Church in Lambourne, near Abridge—a Grade I-listed church dating back to the 12th century. Erica Gilson, manager of Epping Ongar Railway, recalled the pride of working on *Mr Bates vs The Post Office*, highlighting the economic impact of film and TV productions in Essex, which generated £3m since 2022. Essex County Councillor Jeff Bray praised the county’s diverse filming opportunities, from countryside to heritage sites. The article concludes with a call for story suggestions for Essex.