Evan Rachel Wood just made the Practical Magic 2 recasting conversation a whole lot more uncomfortable. The original Kylie Owens actress revealed why she believes the sequel did not need to replace her and what she thinks went wrong with the adaptation.
Evan Rachel Wood ‘sad’ over Practical Magic 2 recasting
Evan Rachel Wood expressed disappointment over her absence from Practical Magic 2. The actress told Entertainment Tonight she felt “sad” about not reprising her role as Kylie Owens. She originally played Sandra Bullock’s eldest daughter in the 1998 film.
“It is sad, because we bonded with that cast so much as children,” Wood said at The Shards premiere. She added that missing the chance to reunite with the original cast “is something that can’t be faked.” Wood also noted she was “sad that doesn’t get to exist, especially for the fans.”
Joey King now takes over the role of Kylie in the sequel. Wood previously revealed on Instagram that the production team did not ask her to return. She even offered to appear in just one scene or deliver a single line.
“I was told they are re-casting,” Wood wrote at the time of the sequel’s announcement. She emphasized the decision was “not in my control or my choice.” Wood also stated she “would have happily rejoined my sisters.”
The actress additionally shared her thoughts on the film’s direction after reading the source material. “I read the book, and it seems like they’re not following the book,” Wood explained. She believed the original novel would have justified bringing her character back.
Practical Magic 2 also recast Bullock’s other onscreen daughter, Antonia, with Maisie Williams replacing Alexandra Artrip. The sequel stars Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod. The film adapts Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic and releases on September 11.