Evan Rachel Wood Explains Why She Was Left Out of "Practical Magic 2"

The cult classic "Practical Magic" is returning to theaters with a much-anticipated sequel. However, one of its biggest stars will be missing. Here is a look at which cast member from the original hit will be missing from the new installment.

Evan Rachel Wood Offers Explanation for Absence in Sequel

Nearly three decades after the debut of the original, "Practical Magic 2" is set to hit the big screen on September 10. The original film starred Evan Rachel Wood as Kylie Owens. Unfortunately for fans of Wood, she was not asked back to reprise her role in the 1998 film. Instead, Joey King was cast in this role.

Wood is now addressing her absence from the sequel, saying that King is the only actor connected to the reprise who contacted her about the role. In a story on her Instagram posted on September 1, Wood said that she "really appreciated Joey King reaching out to me, because no one who worked on the original film did." She went on to call King "a sweetheart."

King was cast to play the adult version of Kylie in the new film. Sandra Bullock still plays Kylie's mom, Sally Owens. The sequel is set 25 years after the first film.

Wood was not the only actor not offered a spot in the sequel. Her sister in the film, Antonia, is now being played by Maisie Williams instead of Alexandra Artip.

Although Wood has been mostly quiet about being left out of the sequel, she did discuss the snub during a July interview with Entertainment Tonight. Wood was asked about her absence at a red carpet event promoting her new television series "The Shards." She detailed that "It seems like they're not following the book. I think in the book it would have made sense to bring me back."

Wood said that while she found the decision to exclude her "sad," she wished the cast and crew well. She went on to say that "We bonded with that cast so much as children, and so to miss out on the opportunity to look at that cast and look at that house as an adult and see the history in our eyes is something that can't be faked." She also noted that she was "sad that that doesn't get to exist, especially for the fans."

No Hard Feelings Toward King

Wood has been clear that she has no hard feelings toward King and that she does not blame King for wanting to take on the role. In her gracious response, Wood said that "I wish them all the best and obviously wish Joey the best, and I hope she had a great time, and I still have really fond memories of being in the original."

According to Entertainment Weekly, Wood had previously confirmed through an Instagram post that she had not been offered a role in the sequel. The 37-year-old "Westworld" actress said that she offered to return even if it was for a brief role, writing, "I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line."

Wood detailed that she was told that the filmmakers wanted to recast the character and that it was not her decision to stay out of the sequel, emphasizing, "I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters."

"Practical Magic 2" director Susanne Bier confirmed that the decision to recast the roles of Kylie and Antonia was due to the ages of the characters in the sequel. The latest installment depicts the sisters as recent college graduates, meaning that Wood and Artrip are now too old to appear in these roles.

During an interview with Variety at a recent red carpet event, Bier said that  "It was not a personal thing" and that they "had to recast." In addition to Bullock, Nicole Kidman is also returning to her role as Gillian Owens. Bullock and Kidman play members of a family of witches grappling with an ancient curse that disrupts their romantic lives.

Also returning to reprise their roles are Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. Joining Joey King as new cast members are Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod.

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