Evan Rachel Wood Disappointed Over 'Practical Magic 2' Snub

Evan Rachel Wood has expressed her disappointment at not being invited to reprise her role in the upcoming "Practical Magic 2," stating that it is "sad" to be excluded after offering to return. Wood, who played the character of Kylie, spoke to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet premiere of her new series, "The Shards." She indicated that the decision to not include her suggests a deviation from the source material, remarking, "It seems like they're not following the book." The original "Practical Magic" film, released in 1998, was based on Alice Hoffman's 1995 novel of the same name. Wood's character, Kylie, was the daughter of Sally Owens' (Sandra Bullock) sister, Gill. Kylie played a significant role in the film's narrative, particularly in the climax where she helped defeat the antagonist Jimmy Angelov. The sequel, "Practical Magic 2," is reportedly in development with Warner Bros. Pictures, with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman confirmed to reprise their roles as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens. The film is expected to continue the story of the Owens sisters and their magical lineage. Wood's comments highlight a potential creative divergence between the sequel and the established lore of the original film and novel. Her willingness to return and her observation about the script's direction suggest a desire to honor the continuity and spirit of the "Practical Magic" universe as established by Hoffman's work. The original film, directed by Griffin Dunne, also starred Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, and Aidan Quinn. It followed Sally Owens, a witch who tries to live a normal life away from her family's magical curse, only to be drawn back into the world of witchcraft when she falls in love with an investigator. The sequel's development was announced in April 2024, with Akiva Goldsman attached to write the script. The absence of Wood from the announced cast, coupled with her statement, raises questions about the narrative focus and character inclusion in the new installment. Fans of the original film may be keen to see how the sequel incorporates new elements while potentially staying true to the beloved characters and themes that made "Practical Magic" a cult classic. Wood's role, though not as central as the Owens sisters, was a memorable part of the film's ensemble, and her exclusion is noted by the actress herself as a point of concern regarding the sequel's creative direction.