Joey King and Maisie Williams have taken on the roles of Kylie and Antonia Owens in ‘Practical Magic 2,’ the sequel to the 1998 cult classic. The original film, which starred Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witchy sisters, was based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel. The new film is adapted from Hoffman’s 2021 book, ‘The Book of Magic,’ which expands the Owens family’s story. According to ABC4 Utah, the film is set for release on Sept. 10.

Recasting Sparks Mixed Reactions

Original cast member Alexandra Artrip, who played Antonia Owens in 1998, expressed concern over the negative reactions to the recasting. In a video shared on Instagram, Artrip said, ‘I love hearing your stories and connections to the film, but I get comments like this a lot, and I see them going on a lot of content around the sequel.’ She added that she hopes fans will support the new film and ‘go in with an open mind.’

Evan Rachel Wood, who portrayed Kylie Owens in the original, said she was not asked back for the sequel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wood told fans, ‘I was not asked to come back. I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are recasting.’ Wood later wished King the best in her new role, but also expressed disappointment, saying, ‘Agradezco mucho que Joey King se pusiera en contacto conmigo porque nadie del equipo de la película original lo ha hecho,’ according to 20Minutos.

Set Design and Legacy

Williams and King praised the attention to detail in recreating the iconic Owens family home. According to E! News, Williams said, ‘It was such a beautiful set. Attention to detail was crazy. It was exactly like the original.’ Sandra Bullock reportedly had a hand in ensuring the set was as close to the original as possible, including ordering custom-made tiles because the original ones were no longer available.

Bullock and Kidman, who return as Sally and Gillian Owens, have reflected on the original film’s mixed reception. Bullock said she had ‘so much trauma from the press junket from the first one because it was firm,’ but added that she now feels the film has found its audience. ‘We were not well-received because we were too much, too witchy, too many women, too many tones,’ Bullock said, according to ABC4 Utah.

Joey King’s Perspective

King has spoken publicly about the importance of self-acceptance and support from other women in the film industry. At the 2024 WIF Awards, where she received the Max Mara Face of the Future Award, King said, ‘The women in my life have always encouraged me to accept myself in a healthy way and find my true self.’ She also expressed gratitude for the support from Wood, saying, ‘I feel very grateful to play Kylie at this age, but I love Evan and appreciate her kind words and the conversation we had,’ according to 20Minutos.

As ‘Practical Magic 2’ approaches its release, the film represents both a continuation of a beloved story and a new chapter in the Owens family saga. The cast changes have sparked debate, but King and Williams have embraced their roles with enthusiasm, and the original cast has offered mixed but ultimately supportive reactions.