Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Evan Rachel Wood Steps Away: Nicole Kidman & Sandra Bullock Continue Practical Magic's Legacy

Practical Magic is set to return for a sequel expected in 2026 , but one of its major stars has revealed that she won't be a part of it; Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman pictured in the 1998 original

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."

While the sequel to the 1998 romantic fantasy film has locked in its two lead actresses, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, Evan Rachel Wood (R) is clarifying why fans shouldn't expect to see her in the sequel; pictured with Alexandra Artrip (L) and Stockard Channing (center)

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 Westworld star announced in an Instagram Stories post on Saturday that it wasn't her choice not to reprise her role as Kylie Owens, the oldest daughter of Sally Owens (Bullock); seen in 2022 in NYC

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.

She said that she was not asked to return despite offering her services. Wood said she was told the role had been recast

TheScholarlyNote.com is not responsible for any spoilers or surprise reveals in this article!

Wood accused her ex Marilyn Manson of sexually abusing her during their relationship in recent years. After she came forward he filed a defamation lawsuit against her, but he dropped the suit in November of last year and agreed to pay all of her legal fees; seen together in 2007 in Toronto

Joey King was previously announced to star as one of the daughters of Sandra Bullock's character, though it hasn't been clarified if she's taking over for Wood or Alexandra Artrip; seen Saturday in London

On Friday, Deadline reported that Maisie Williams would also be joining the sequel in an unnamed role; pictured February 16 in London

Stockard Channing (L) and Dianne Wiest (R) are also reprising their roles, while the new stars will include Lee Pace, Blue Beetle's Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod; still from Practical Magic