Why The Kids In Practical Magic Were Re-Cast For The Sequel

Released in 1998, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's "Practical Magic" was poorly received by critics and underperformed at the box office, but soon became a cult classic. It took nearly 28 years, but Bullock and Kidman finally reunited to play magical sisters Sally and Gilly Owens in 2026's "Practical Magic 2," along with fellow returning stars Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing, who play their aunts in both films. But while the adults are all back, fans were surprised to learn that Evan Rachel Wood, who played Bullock's older daughter Kylie in the first movie, had been replaced by "The Kissing Booth" star Joey King. Likewise, "Game of Thrones" breakout Maisie Williams had taken over the role of younger daughter Antonia from Alexandra Artrip. 

Director Susanne Bier explained the recasting in a September 2026 interview with Variety, clarifying, "It was not a personal thing. It's that the kids in this story are right out of college, so it wasn't really a question. We had to recast. We had to get some kids at that age." The sequel is set 25 years after the original movie, and while there's no doubt Kidman and Bullock are still total bombshells, it seems the powers that be felt that Wood and Artrip, who have aged over the years too, were no longer suitable choices because they had outgrown their roles. Making things slightly more complicated, however, Wood claimed that she would've gladly played Kylie again.

In a since-deleted 2025 Instagram post, Evan Rachel Wood revealed she wouldn't be returning for "Practical Magic 2," and it was not her decision, confirming only, "I would have happily rejoined my sisters," (via Entertainment Weekly). Not long before the sequel was released, the "Thirteen" star spoke to "Entertainment Tonight" about being replaced, acknowledging, "It is sad, because we bonded with that cast so much as children. 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. I'm sad that doesn't get to exist."

While this obviously isn't the first time Evan Rachel Wood lost out on a role, in this instance she felt slighted when none of the original cast even bothered getting in touch with her. The "Westworld" star once again took to Instagram to share, "I really appreciated Joey King reaching out to me because no one who worked on the original film did," noting, "She's a sweetheart," (via EW). The "Kissing Booth" star herself later discussed her conversation with Wood with The Hollywood Reporter: "I feel so grateful to be able to play Kylie at this age, but I love Evan so much and I'm so appreciative of her kind words, and the exchange that her and I shared."

Wood's other former co-star Alexandra Artrip, who hasn't acted since "Practical Magic," seems less upset about Maisie Williams taking over her part. Now working in advertising, Artrip posted a video on Instagram detailing her stance, reasoning, "Maisie and Joey are lovely actresses, and I'm sure the production team did what they thought was best for the film to be successful."