A Call for Positivity
Alexandra Artrip, who starred in the original Practical Magic, has addressed the discourse surrounding the recasting of her character for the upcoming sequel. In a recent video statement, the 36-year-old, who has since stepped away from acting, urged fans to move past the negativity.
«I love hearing your stories and connections to the film, but I see a lot of content circulating around the sequel,» Artrip explained. «I believe the sentiment is well-intentioned. People are trying to show support for Evan [Rachel Wood] and myself, as well as the original movie and what it meant to so many, but I simply don’t want my platforms to be a space for negativity.»
Supporting the New Direction
Artrip expressed confidence in the creative team behind the project and welcomed the new stars taking over the roles. «Maisie Williams and Joey King are lovely actresses, and I am certain the production team did what they believed was best for the film to succeed,» she noted. She encouraged audiences to approach the sequel with an open mind, emphasizing that the legacy of the original work remains intact regardless of the new production.
«I am excited that we are able to build on that world with a new novel and fresh content in 2026, and it has given me a space to revisit all those beloved memories many years later,» she added.
Background on the Recasting Controversy
The conversation surrounding the sequel intensified after Evan Rachel Wood revealed in July 2025 that she would not be returning as Kylie Owens. Wood stated on social media that she was not asked to return, despite offering her services for even a minor appearance. Later, in an interview, Wood suggested that the creative direction of the sequel—which appears to deviate from the source material—likely influenced the decision to recast.
In contrast, Joey King noted that she had a «lovely» conversation with Wood regarding the role. «I was so appreciative of the support that she showed to me and to the rest of the cast,» King shared during a recent premiere. «She is so talented and beautiful, and she made this role so special when she was a young girl.»