Original ‘Practical Magic’ Star Responds to Recasting Backlash for Sequel
Casting decisions for sequels often ignite passionate reactions from dedicated fans, particularly when a cherished film is revisited years after its initial release. One franchise that exemplifies this tension is the supernatural family drama returning to theaters nearly three decades after captivating audiences.
That film is 1998’s ‘Practical Magic,’ featuring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, which has evolved into a genuine cult classic over the years. With a sequel now on the horizon, fans eager to reconnect with the Owens family are particularly focused on a casting choice that has sparked significant online discussion.
This decision pertains to Antonia and Kylie Owens, the daughters of Bullock’s character Sally, originally portrayed by Alexandra Artrip and Evan Rachel Wood in the first film. Artrip has addressed the backlash directly, expressing her desire for her social media to remain a positive space rather than a platform for negativity regarding the recasting of her and Wood with Maisie Williams and Joey King.
In an Instagram video shared on Thursday, Artrip acknowledged the wave of fan support for both her and Wood. “I just don’t want my stuff to be a space for negativity,” she stated, as reported by Variety, referring to Williams and King as “lovely actresses” and expressing her belief that the production team made the best choices for the film’s success.
Artrip, who stepped away from acting after her role in the original film, encouraged fans to give the sequel a fair chance instead of dismissing it outright. She emphasized that the original film’s significance remains unchanged, while expressing genuine excitement about the continuation of the Owens family story through new material.
‘Practical Magic 2’ is inspired by Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel “The Book of Magic” and takes place 25 years after the original film. The sequel is based on a script by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel, with director Susanne Bier previously discussing the recasting decision at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. She explained that the characters needed to be played by actors closer to college age due to the story’s new timeline.
Despite this explanation, fan frustration has not completely subsided, particularly from Wood, who has expressed more dissatisfaction with the situation than her former co-star. Wood recently mentioned that no one from the original film had personally reached out to her about the recasting, although she appreciated hearing directly from King, who she described as a genuine “sweetheart.”
The contrast between Artrip’s composed response and Wood’s more pointed frustration highlights how differently two actors from the same original project can react to being replaced in a highly anticipated sequel. For some long-time fans, the absence of both original actresses has become a significant issue, leading to calls for boycotts circulating online ahead of the film’s release.
‘Practical Magic 2’ continues the story of Sally, once again played by Bullock, and her sister Gillian, portrayed by Kidman, as they return to a world rich in ancestral magic while facing a dark curse that threatens to tear their family apart. The sequel is set to hit theaters on September 10, giving audiences the opportunity to evaluate the new cast for themselves after months of anticipation and, for some, apprehension.
Whether Williams and King can win over skeptical long-time fans remains to be seen once the film opens. However, Artrip’s gracious response suggests at least one member of the original cast is hoping for the sequel’s success, regardless of who has taken on her former role.
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