"It Was Not in My Control": Evan Rachel Wood claims not to return for Practical Magic 2

Evan Rachel Wood has set the record straight on her involvement with Practical Magic 2, making clear that,

“It Was Not in My Control”

Whether she’d return to the movie that first introduced her as Kylie Owens in 1998. On June 11, the 37‑year‑old star took to Instagram Stories to address swirling rumors.

Evan Rachel Wood explained, “I was not asked to come back and be in the #PracticalMagic sequel. I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line.” Wood went on

“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 same post, Evan Rachel Wood acknowledged her gratitude for the story’s fans and the role she loved playing. She noted how special the original film had been to her career and viewers around the world, and thanked everyone who asked her to return.

That candid message came just days after the sequel’s big cast announcement, confirming that Practical Magic 2 will hit theaters on September 18, 2026, under director Susanne Bier, a shift from the original’s Griffin Dunne at the helm.

---

Evan Rachel Wood says she was not invited back for the sequel

Evan Rachel Wood has said that she did not receive an official offer to reprise the role of Kylie Owens. She also approached the filmmakers and offered them to come in to do just one scene or line.

Instead, she heard they had settled upon using a new person in the role. Laying down the rumors, she did this to assure her fans that she would not have her emotions come in the way of the buzz of the sequel. She also admitted that such decisions are often made by producers and casting directors, and such a process is respected by her.

“While I am proud of what we made in 1998, I also know that movies grow and change,” she wrote.

“I would have loved to explore Kylie’s journey further, but I accept their choice and wish everyone involved all the best.”

Her tone remained warm and respectful, reflecting her genuine connection to the franchise without assigning blame.

---

Classic cast members will return with new faces

The sequel’s producers have combined familiar witches with fresh talent to bridge past and future:

• Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman will reprise their roles as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, the heart of the story since 1998.
• Stockard Channing returns as Aunt Frances “Franny” Owens, and Dianne Wiest is back as Aunt Bridget “Jet” Owens, guiding the next generation through magic.
• New additions include Joey King as Bullock’s on‑screen daughter, alongside Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod.

This mix of returning stars and newcomers aims to honor the original film’s charm while opening doors to new storylines.

---

The production team celebrates the Owens family legacy

In an official statement, the Practical Magic 2 filmmaking team paid homage to the story’s origins:

“Twenty‑five years ago, Sally, Gillian, Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny flew off the pages of Alice Hoffman’s beloved novel and into theaters around the world,” the team said.

“We are thrilled to bring the Owens family back to the big screen with Joey, Lee, Maisie, Solly and Xolo joining the next chapter in our story. The enduring affection for these characters has been our inspiration to deliver the next installment in the Owens’ story to new fans, and those who’ve been with us since the beginning”.

That message highlights the filmmakers’ goal: to respect longtime viewers’ nostalgia while inviting a broader audience into the Owens sisters’ magical world.

---

What Kylie Owens’s recasting could mean for the storyline

Kylie Owens’s absence from Practical Magic 2 may allow the writers to explore fresh perspectives. By recasting the role or focusing on another branch of the Owens family, screenwriters can introduce new conflicts, family dynamics, and magical lore that didn’t exist in the original film.

Joey King’s casting as Sally’s daughter suggests the sequel may center on a different youthful heroine, making room for unexpected alliances and challenges. While Evan Rachel Wood won’t appear, her acceptance offers fans clarity and keeps the door open, should the series ever expand beyond the upcoming film.

---

As production moves forward under Susanne Bier’s direction, audiences will discover how Practical Magic 2 balances reverence for its roots with the promise of new enchantments. Though one familiar face will be gone, the Owens family’s legacy of love, loss, and sisterhood remains firmly at its core.