Why Practical Magic 2 Replaced Evan Rachel Wood With Joey King
SlashFilm • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The sequel to the cult hit "Practical Magic," set 25 years after the original, will feature Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprising their roles, along with Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest returning as the Owens sisters' aunts.
- Sally's daughters, Kylie and Antonia, originally played by Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip, have been recast with Joey King and Maisie Williams, respectively, despite the characters being older in the timeline.
- Director Susanne Bier explained the recasting was necessary as the sequel's story portrays the daughters as recent college graduates, requiring younger actors to fit the narrative.
- The sequel takes creative liberties and deviates from Alice Hoffman's 2021 novel "The Book of Magic," which fans and original cast members feel would have supported bringing back Wood.
- Despite not returning, Evan Rachel Wood has expressed support for Joey King, who appreciated Wood's encouragement; "Practical Magic 2" is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026.
