Evan Rachel Wood says original 'Practical Magic' team never asked her back for sequel
Evan Rachel Wood is speaking out after being recast in 'Practical Magic 2'. According to Variety, the actor revealed via an Instagram story that she was not invited to return and that no one from the original 1998 film, including stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, reached out to her.
In the original movie, Wood played Kylie, one of Sally's young daughters. For the sequel, that role has gone to Joey King, with Maisie Williams playing her sister Antonia. Per /Film, this recasting happened because the story requires the sisters to be much younger than they should logically be.
Director Susanne Bier explained the decision to Entertainment Weekly, stating it was purely narrative. She said the characters are written as being fresh out of college, which made it necessary to cast younger actors. Bier insisted this was not a personal matter against Wood.
Wood commented to Entertainment Tonight, noting that while the sequel draws from Alice Hoffman's recent novel 'The Book of Magic', the filmmakers are deviating from it. She suggested that following the book more closely might have justified her return.
Despite the disappointment, Joey King told The Hollywood Reporter that Wood was supportive. King said she had a 'lovely conversation' with Wood, who offered kind words about the new cast taking over the roles.
The sequel, which has a timeline that has confused some fans, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 11, 2026.
