Evan Rachel Wood Not Invited Back for ‘Practical Magic 2’ and Expresses Disappointment
Evan Rachel Wood has shared her feelings about not being invited back for ‘Practical Magic 2’, revealing that she won’t reprise her role from the beloved 1998 film.
The actress, known for her portrayal of Kylie Owens, the daughter of Sandra Bullock’s character Sally Owens, discussed her disappointment during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the FX premiere of ‘The Shards’. She expressed her hope to return, even if it was just for a brief cameo.
Wood mentioned that she had made it clear she wanted to be involved in the sequel in any capacity, but the production team opted to recast her role. Joey King will now play Kylie, while Maisie Williams takes on the role of her younger sister Antonia, originally played by Alexandra Artrip.
In her conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Wood elaborated on why she felt her return would have been fitting, particularly in light of the original story.
“I read the book, and it seems like they’re not following the book,” Wood stated. “I think, in the book, it would have made sense to bring me back. I think in the way they’re approaching it, the way they’re doing it, it didn’t make sense.”
She also reflected on the emotional ties she formed with the original cast, making the decision to recast even more poignant. Wood expressed sadness that she and Artrip would miss the chance to reunite with their childhood co-stars as adults.
“We bonded with that cast so much as children. And so, to miss out on the opportunity to look at that cast and look at that house as an adult and see the history in our eyes is something that can’t be faked,” she shared.
Wood conveyed her disappointment primarily for the fans of the original film but still wished the new cast well.
“I’m sad that that doesn’t get to exist, especially for the fans,” she said, while also expressing her support for Joey King and hoping the new cast enjoys their experience making the film.
Previously, Wood addressed her exclusion from ‘Practical Magic 2’ in July 2025 via social media. She confirmed that fans had been inquiring about her potential involvement and reiterated that she was not part of the project.
“I was not asked to come back and be in the #PracticalMagic sequel. I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line,” Wood stated. She added that she was informed the roles were being recast and that the decision was beyond her control.
Wood is not the only original cast member absent from the sequel. Aidan Quinn, who portrayed Gary Hallet in the first film, also revealed to SPIN 1038 that he was not invited back. Quinn expressed that he would have accepted the opportunity if it had been offered.
“I wasn’t asked; I would have said yes, but I wasn’t asked; of course I would,” Quinn remarked.
Despite the absence of some original cast members, ‘Practical Magic 2’ will feature several familiar faces. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are set to return as Sally and Gillian Owens, alongside Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest reprising their roles as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny.
Set 25 years after the events of the original film, the sequel follows the Owens family as they face new magical challenges that threaten the next generation. According to the official synopsis, Sally’s daughter Kylie begins to uncover hidden family secrets and new abilities, compelling the family to confront a curse that has haunted them for generations.
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