Evan Rachel Wood has officially announced she will not be returning for the sequel to the beloved film Practical Magic. On July 11, 2024, Wood took to her Instagram Stories to clarify the situation surrounding her character, Kylie Owens. In her statement, she expressed her disappointment, revealing that she had not been invited to reprise her role in the upcoming film.
“I am getting asked about this a lot, so I’ll just clear it up now,” Wood wrote. “I was not asked to come back and be in the #PracticalMagic sequel.” The actress, who is now 37, indicated that she had reached out to express her interest in returning, even offering to appear for a single scene. Despite her enthusiasm, she received word that the role would be recast.
“I was told they are recasting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters,” Wood added, underscoring her willingness to contribute to the project.
Star-Studded Cast Returns for Sequel
The original Practical Magic, released in 1998, starred prominent actresses Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, who portrayed sisters Gillian “Gilly” Owens and Sally Owens, respectively. Wood’s character, Kylie, was Sally’s eldest daughter. Despite the decision to recast Kylie, both Kidman and Bullock are confirmed to return for the sequel.
“Yes, I will be in it,” Kidman, now 58, confirmed in an interview with People in June 2024. “And Sandy will be in it. And that’s that.” She expressed excitement about the sequel, stating, “There’s a lot more to tell which is why we go, ‘OK, this is kind of interesting now to be able to do this.’”
In addition to the core cast, Diane Wiest and Stockard Channing are set to reprise their roles as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny, respectively. New faces joining the ensemble include Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod. Reports indicate that King will portray one of Sally’s daughters, but it remains unclear if this character will be the same as Wood’s previous role.
Sequel Development and Release Date
Warner Bros. officially announced in June 2024 via TikTok that the sequel to Practical Magic is in development, with a release date set for September 18, 2026. The film is based on the 1995 novel by Alice Hoffman, who has expressed her admiration for the original movie.
“I love the movie. It’s different than the book,” Hoffman remarked in an October 2021 interview. “But I feel so lucky that all those truly great actresses are in one movie.” She emphasized that the story’s focus on women’s relationships and sisterhood has contributed to its lasting appeal, turning it into a cult classic.
As anticipation builds for Practical Magic 2, fans will be eager to see how the new cast and returning stars will breathe life into this cherished universe, even as they bid farewell to Wood’s character.