Evan Rachel Wood, the child star who played Sandra Bullock’s daughter in the beloved 1998 film *Practical Magic*, has recently shed light on her absence from the forthcoming sequel. Notably, she expressed her disappointment at not being invited back for the new project, which is set to hit theatres on September 11, 2026.
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The original film, which featured Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witches Sally and Gillian Owens, follows the tale of a family beset by a curse that mysteriously claims the lives of the men they love. While the sequel promises to bring back familiar faces such as Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, who played the sisters’ aunts, Wood revealed through her Instagram Stories that she had not been approached to reprise her role, despite her willingness to return.
Wood portrayed Kylie Owens, one of the enchanting daughters of Sally, in the original film. However, in the sequel, this character will now be depicted by Joey King. When speaking to *Entertainment Tonight* during the premiere of her new series *The Shards*, Wood clarified that the sequel deviates from the narrative presented in Alice Hoffman’s series of novels. Specifically, the upcoming film is based on Hoffman’s 2021 work *The Book of Magic*, which is a follow-up to the original novel.
Reflecting on her exclusion, Wood mentioned that while she was saddened by the decision, she understood that the creative direction taken by the makers may not have accommodated her return. “I think in the book it would have made sense to bring me back,” she stated. “But in the way they’re redoing it and approaching it, it didn’t make sense.”
The actress reminisced about the camaraderie she shared with the cast during the shooting of the original film, stating that it would have been special to reunite as adults and explore the rich history they all shared. “As children, we bonded so much, and to miss out on that opportunity is something that can’t be replicated,” she explained. Despite her disappointment, Wood extended her best wishes to the new cast, particularly Joey King, hoping that she enjoys her experience on the project.
Wood’s role in *Practical Magic*, which marked her ninth professional acting credit, came shortly after her eleventh birthday. Alongside her, actress Alexandra Artip portrayed the other daughter in the film. For the sequel, Maisie Williams is set to take on the role that Artip previously portrayed, adding a new dynamic to the family narrative.
In an earlier Instagram post, Wood had aimed to clarify her status for fans who inquired about her participation in the sequel. She expressed her regret over not being included, emphasising that the decision was beyond her control: “I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are re-casting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans.”
As fans await the release of *Practical Magic 2*, excitement continues to build around the film. This will mark a significant return for Bullock, who has not graced the big screen since 2022, when she appeared in films *Bullet Train* and *The Lost City*. The newly released trailer suggests that the younger Owens sisters will grapple with the same family curse that plagued their relatives, setting the stage for another magical adventure.
In conclusion, Evan Rachel Wood’s reflections on her journey in *Practical Magic* not only highlight her affection for the film and its cast but also underscore the complexities of adapting beloved stories for a new generation. As the sequel approaches, audiences can only hope that it lives up to the charming legacy of the original.