The film "Bewitched," which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, remains a noteworthy entry in the realm of cinematic reboots. Directed by the late Nora Ephron, the movie presents a fictional take on the classic TV series of the same name. Starring renowned actors Will Ferrell, Nicole Kidman, and Stephen Colbert, it chronicles the challenges faced during the production of a modern reboot featuring a real-life witch.
"Bewitched" was filmed over the course of 75 days, with Ferrell fully immersed in his role as an actor trying to navigate the complexities of both the film and his on-screen crush. Kidman portrayed a charismatic witch, captivating all those around her. Colbert, who played one of several writers for the fictional sitcom, only appeared on screen for a brief 45 seconds of the final cut, despite being present for 52 days of shooting.
The film had an impressive budget of $85 million and grossed $131 million at the box office. However, it was met with mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, holding a score of just 23% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 28% approval rating from viewers.
Reflecting on his experiences working alongside Kidman, Colbert shared a vivid recollection. “You came over to us because when the scene started, and when Nora Ephron called action, we saw why Nicole Kidman was a movie star,” he remarked. The magic of Kidman's performance seemed to create an almost otherworldly atmosphere on set.
Colbert elaborated further on the effect Kidman had during filming. “Because the moment she called 'action,' she flipped some switch. She became the most alluring and beautiful woman — she's a beautiful woman, but something preternatural happened," he stated. The cast found themselves entranced, caught in "a fever of desire" for her character.
Ferrell echoed Colbert’s sentiments, describing the experience as astonishing. “It was like an alien being had come and told us, 'Everything is gonna be okay,'" he recalled. This sense of wonder led to moments of forgetfulness for Ferrell. He remembered being so captivated by Kidman's presence that he struggled to recall his lines. “I couldn't remember any of my lines! I couldn't get out of her eyes! What the f
