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  4. THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Bewitched' 17 years later

THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Bewitched' 17 years later

Erin McDowell   

THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Bewitched' 17 years later
Nicole Kidman starred as Isobel Bigelow in "Bewitched."Columbia Pictures; ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images
  • "Bewitched" came out 17 years ago on June 24, 2005.
  • The movie is based on the iconic television series "Bewitched," which ran from 1964 until 1972.

Nicole Kidman starred as Isabel Bigelow, a witch who is cast in the television reboot of "Bewitched."

Nicole Kidman starred as Isabel Bigelow, a witch who is cast in the television reboot of "Bewitched."
Nicole Kidman in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Isabel wants nothing more than to live a normal life and find love without using her magical abilities. After being cast as an unknown actress in a reboot of the beloved television show "Bewitched," she begins a relationship with Jack Wyatt, her eccentric and often self-absorbed costar.

Nicole Kidman is one of Hollywood's top actresses. She recently starred in "Nine Perfect Strangers" and "The Undoing."

Nicole Kidman is one of Hollywood
Nicole Kidman in 2022.      Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Prior to starring in "Bewitched," Kidman, now 55, won the Oscar for best actress for her role in "The Hours." She has also received critical acclaim for her role in "Big Little Lies," for which she won an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a limited series or movie.

Will Ferrell plays Isobel's love interest Jack Wyatt, who has been cast as Darrin in the "Bewitched" reboot.

Will Ferrell plays Isobel
Will Ferrell in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Jack Wyatt casts Isobel after seeing her do the signature Samantha nose wiggle in a bookstore and believing that casting an unknown actress will help make him the star of the show. He later learns that Isobel has been cast a little too well for the part and is actually a real witch.

Will Ferrell was cast in "Bewitched" two years after starring in "Elf." He went on to appear in classic comedies like "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "Blades of Glory."

Will Ferrell was cast in "Bewitched" two years after starring in "Elf." He went on to appear in classic comedies like "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "Blades of Glory."
Will Ferrell in 2022.      David Livingston/Getty Images

Prior to starring in "Bewitched," "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," and "Elf," Ferrell, 55, proved his comedy chops as a lead cast member on "Saturday Night Live."

He is now regarded as one of Hollywood's top actors and producers. He most recently starred in "The Shrink Next Door" and produced "The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window."

Shirley MacLaine played Isobel's costar Iris Smythson, who is portraying Endora in the reboot.

Shirley MacLaine played Isobel
Shirley MacLaine in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Iris is an ally to Isobel and forms a romantic connection with Isobel's father, a real warlock.

Shirley MacLaine is an iconic Hollywood actress known for her roles in "Terms of Endearment" and "Steel Magnolias."

Shirley MacLaine is an iconic Hollywood actress known for her roles in "Terms of Endearment" and "Steel Magnolias."
Shirley MacLaine in 2019.      CHRIS DELMAS/AFP/Getty Images

MacLaine, 88, is still acting and recently appeared in "Only Murders in the Building" and "American Dreamer," which starred Peter Dinklage and Danny Glover. She also appeared in two episodes of "Glee" as June Dolloway, a socialite who takes a liking to Blaine Anderson's talent.

Michael Caine starred as Isobel's father Nigel Bigelow. He is skeptical of Isobel's abilities to pass as a non-witch.

Michael Caine starred as Isobel
Michael Caine in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Nigel repeatedly tries to convince Isobel to give up her charade and return to her life as a witch.

Michael Caine is a British actor best known for his roles in "The Dark Knight," "King of Thieves," and "Miss Congeniality."

Michael Caine is a British actor best known for his roles in "The Dark Knight," "King of Thieves," and "Miss Congeniality."
Michael Caine in 2018.      Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Caine, 89, is regarded as a British film icon. His most recent acting credits include roles in "Medieval" and "Best Sellers." He has been married to former actress and Miss Guyana, Shakira Caine since 1973.

Kristin Chenoweth plays Maria Kelly, Isobel's neighbor.

Kristin Chenoweth plays Maria Kelly, Isobel
Kristin Chenoweth in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Maria is a huge fan of the original "Bewitched" television series and an ally to Isobel.

Kristin Chenoweth was reportedly cast in "Bewitched" after Kidman saw her perform as Glinda in "Wicked" on Broadway.

Kristin Chenoweth was reportedly cast in "Bewitched" after Kidman saw her perform as Glinda in "Wicked" on Broadway.
Kristin Chenoweth in 2022.      JC Olivera/Getty Images

Her role was created with Chenoweth in mind for the part and was her first major movie role. After "Bewitched," Chenoweth went on to star in "The West Wing," "Pushing Daisies," and had a recurring role as April Rhodes on "Glee." Her most recent acting credits include roles in "Holidate," "Shmigadoon!", and appeared as herself in "Bros."

Carole Shelley plays Isobel's Aunt Clara, who helps Isabel to cast a hex on Jack to make him fall in love with her.

Carole Shelley plays Isobel
Carole Shelley in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Aunt Clara was also a character in the original "Bewitched" television series, further blurring the lines between the show's plot and Isobel's life as a witch.

Carole Shelley passed away in 2018 at the age of 79.

Carole Shelley passed away in 2018 at the age of 79.
Carole Shelley in 2018.      Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Shelley was the originator of the role of Madame Morrible in "Wicked" on Broadway. Shelley's other stage roles included Gwendolyn Pigeon in "The Odd Couple," which she also played in the 1968 movie adaptation.

Shelley's final role was in the TV movie "Did You Know My Husband?" The actress passed away on August 31, 2018, after a battle with cancer.

Steve Carell had a supporting role in "Bewitched" as Uncle Arthur.

Steve Carell had a supporting role in "Bewitched" as Uncle Arthur.
Steve Carell in "Bewitched."      Columbia Pictures

Uncle Arthur, a character in the original "Bewitched" television series, appears to Jack as a figment of his own imagination and tells him not to let Isobel quit the show because he is in love with her.

Steve Carell went on to earn multiple Emmy nominations for his role in "The Office."

Steve Carell went on to earn multiple Emmy nominations for his role in "The Office."
Steve Carell in 2022.      Momodu Mansaray/WireImage/Getty Images

"The Office" premiered in March 2005, just a few months before "Bewitched" was released. His leading role as Michael Scott would go on to become one of Carell's most iconic performances up until the show ended in 2013.

Aside from "The Office," Carell is also well known for his roles in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Little Miss Sunshine," "Beautiful Boy," and, most recently, "The Patient."

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