Evan Rachel Wood Steps Away: Nicole Kidman & Sandra Bullock Continue Practical Magic's Legacy
SPOILER ALERT: The Magical World of Practical Magic is Getting a Sequel, But One Star Won't Be Returning - And It's Not Because She Didn't Want To!
Get ready for a spellbinding sequel that will leave fans of the beloved 1998 film, Practical Magic, mesmerized. But there's a twist! Evan Rachel Wood, who played Kylie Owens in the original movie, has revealed she won't be joining the new chapter - and it's not because she wasn't asked back!
In an Instagram Stories post on Saturday, the 37-year-old Westworld star, known for her recent allegations of sexual abuse against ex-boyfriend Marilyn Manson, broke the news to fans. "I'm getting asked about this a lot, so I'll just clear it up now," Wood wrote. "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."
The reason for her absence? Wood's character will be recast, leaving fans wondering who will take over the role of Kylie Owens, the eldest daughter of Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock). The original film, directed by Griffin Dunne, may have been a box office disappointment and received mixed reviews, but it has gained a cult following over the years.
The new sequel, set to hit theaters in 2026, will feature Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reprising their roles as Gillian and Sally Owens. Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest will also return as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny. Joey King is set to join the cast as one of Sally's daughters, but it remains unclear if she'll be playing Kylie or her sister Antonia.
The movie's director, Susanne Bier, expressed excitement about bringing back the beloved characters, saying in a statement: "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... 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 new cast includes Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, Blue Beetle's Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod. But don't worry, fans - Evan Rachel Wood is not holding a grudge against the filmmakers. In her Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for being part of the original film and apologized to fans for not being able to join the sequel.
As Wood continues to be an advocate for sexual assault survivors, her absence from the sequel may raise eyebrows. However, it's clear that she's focused on using her platform to make a positive impact. In 2018, she testified before the US House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations about her experiences with sexual abuse.
Meanwhile, the original Practical Magic has become a popular title on streaming platforms, and its enduring popularity has inspired the sequel. With so many new faces joining the cast, fans are eager to see how the story will unfold. One thing's for sure - Evan Rachel Wood's absence won't dampen the excitement surrounding this highly anticipated sequel.
TheScholarlyNote.com is not responsible for any spoilers or surprise reveals in this article!