Evan Rachel Wood Confirms Absence from “Practical Magic 2”

Evan Rachel Wood disclosed that she will not appear in the upcoming *Practical Magic 2* because the studio did not invite her to reprise her role as Kylie Owens. The actress described the situation as “sad” and expressed disappointment for herself and the film’s longtime fans.

Evan Rachel Wood explains why she will not return for Practical Magic 2

The original *Practical Magic* (1998) adapted Alice Hoffman’s novel of the same name and starred Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witch sisters, with Wood playing Bullock’s eldest daughter, Kylie Owens. The sequel adapts Hoffman’s 2021 novel *The Book of Magic*, a continuation of the Owens family saga. While Bullock, Kidman, Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return, the younger Owens sisters have been recast: Joey King assumes the role of Kylie, and Maisie Williams replaces Alexandra Artrip as Antonia Owens.

People Magazine

• 1998 – *Practical Magic* premieres, establishing a cult following.

Evan Rachel Wood Talks Not Returning For Practical Magic Sequel

• Summer 2024 – Warner Bros. announces a sequel based on *The Book of Magic*.

Evan Rachel Wood Talks Not Returning For Practical Magic Sequel

• Early July 2025 – Wood posts on Instagram clarifying she was not asked to return and offered to appear in any capacity.

Evan Rachel Wood explains why she will not return for Practical Magic 2

• July 27 – Wood discusses the recasting with *Entertainment Tonight* at the red-carpet premiere of her series *The Shards*.

Variety Magazine

• September 11 – *Practical Magic 2* is released in theaters.

Hollywood Reporter

• Release date: September 11 (as reported by multiple outlets).

Variety Magazine

• Recast roles: Joey King as Kylie Owens; Maisie Williams as Antonia Owens.

The Wrap

• Returning cast members: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, plus newcomers Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod.

Deadline Hollywood

She noted that the sequel’s direction diverges from the source material, which she believes would have justified her return. Wood emphasized her emotional connection to the original cast, noting that the bond formed “as children” made the missed reunion particularly painful for fans.

The Wrap

• “I read the book and it seems like they’re not following the book,” — Evan Rachel Wood

Variety Magazine

• “We bonded with that cast so much as children,” — Evan Rachel Wood

The Wrap

• “But I wish them all the best, and obviously wish Joey the best, and I hope she had a great time,” — Evan Rachel Wood

People Magazine

Wood’s public clarification highlights the challenges of legacy sequels that recast iconic child roles. Her remarks also underscore fan expectations for continuity when a franchise revisits beloved characters, especially when the new adaptation diverges from its literary foundation. The situation may influence how studios handle casting decisions for future revivals of cult classics.

The Wrap