Evan Rachel Wood, known for her role as Kylie Owens in the beloved 1998 film Practical Magic, has confirmed that she will not be returning for the highly anticipated sequel, Practical Magic 2. In a candid post on Instagram Stories on June 11, the 37-year-old actress shared the news with her fans.
Wood’s Announcement
In her post, Wood addressed the frequent questions she had been receiving about her return for the sequel. “I am getting asked about this a lot, so I’ll just clear it up now; I was not asked to come back and be in the #PracticalMagic sequel,” she wrote.
“I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line.” Despite her efforts to return to the role, Wood revealed that the filmmakers had chosen to recast her character for the new film. She expressed regret, writing, “I was told they are re-casting.
I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters.”
In the original film, Wood portrayed Kylie Owens, the eldest daughter of Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock). After the death of her father, Kylie moves in with her eccentric aunts, played by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest.
Practical Magic 2 Casting Updates
Wood’s announcement comes shortly after the news that Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest will reprise their iconic roles as Frances “Franny” Owens and Bridget “Jet” Owens, respectively. The two actresses, now in their 80s, will once again bring the quirky aunts to life in the sequel.
The new additions to the cast include Joey King as Sally Owens’ daughter, as well as Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod, who will join the cast for the next chapter in the magical family’s story.
The sequel will be directed by Susanne Bier, who takes over from Griffin Dunne. The filmmaking team expressed excitement about the new chapter, with the official release saying, “We are thrilled to bring the Owens family back to the big screen,” noting that the enduring love for these characters inspired them to craft the next installment for both new and longtime fans.
A Magical Legacy Continues
Practical Magic, based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel of the same name, followed the Owens sisters, played by Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, as they navigated life as witches cursed with a tragic love life. The story was beloved for its blend of romance, magic, and the complex dynamics between the sisters.
Practical Magic 2 is slated for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026.
Though Evan Rachel Wood will not be returning to her role in Practical Magic 2, the sequel is still shaping up to be an exciting continuation of the beloved story, with many original cast members reprising their roles. Fans can look forward to a new generation of magical adventures when the film hits theaters in 2026.