A heritage railway in Essex has played a starring role in a major Hollywood film.
The Epping Ongar Railway, which runs through the Essex countryside, was picked to feature in the upcoming Practical Magic 2, a sequel to the 1998 cult classic.
Rob Bentley, operations manager at Epping Ongar Railway, said: "I didn't really know what to expect at first.
"We've had a fair bit of filming here on the railway over the years, but nothing quite as big as this production."
The project began in January 2025 when Mr Bentley was contacted by a location manager seeking a specific type of railway carriage for the film.
Production took place both on location in Essex and at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where one of the railway’s heritage carriages was transported and used as a set.
Mr Bentley 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.
"It felt odd to see the carriage outside its usual setting, but I was proud that our heritage railway could contribute to such a big Hollywood film."
Filming took place inside a 1960s British Rail Mark 1 coach, a carriage still in regular use on the line.
Mr Bentley said: "We were the perfect fit for them in terms of what they wanted to film."
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Visitors can now ride in the same carriage featured in the film, which stars Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman and Joey King.
He added: "What's really cool is that you can sit in exactly the same seats where the stars sat in the film.
"I'm watching the trailer thinking, that’s our train."
The Epping Ongar Railway originally opened in 1865 and has since become a favourite filming location.
Large productions such as Netflix's Man vs Baby, and the BBC's Death in Paradise Christmas Special, have been filmed on the Essex railway.
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