Alexandra Artrip roept op tot positiviteit rond recasting 'Practical Magic 2'

Oorspronkelijke kinderster vraagt fans om begrip voor de nieuwe rollen van Maisie Williams en Joey King in de klassieker uit 1998

Nearly three decades after the original Practical Magic enchanted audiences, fans of the 1998 film are preparing for a return to the Owens family story with the sequel hitting theaters on Sept. 10.

Alexandra Artrip, who portrayed young Antonia Owens in the first movie, has spoken out about the decision to recast her character with Maisie Williams and Evan Rachel Wood's role with Joey King. She made clear that her social media is not the place for negative comments about the changes.

Artrip Emphasizes Support Over Criticism

In a video posted online, Artrip acknowledged the outpouring of loyalty from longtime fans but asked them to channel that energy positively. She noted that many comments aim to defend the original cast and film, yet she prefers her platform remain free of negativity.

Maisie and Joey are lovely actresses, and I’m sure the production team did what they thought was best for the film to be successful. … I just think we should support the film, give it a shot, go in with an open mind. Nothing can take away from what the original film was, and I’m excited that we’re able to build on that world with a new novel, new content in 2026, and that it’s given me a space to revisit all those beloved memories all these years later.

— Alexandra Artrip, Social media video

Wood Voices Disappointment Over Lack of Outreach

Evan Rachel Wood has separately expressed sadness about not returning for the sequel. She highlighted that Joey King personally reached out to her, contrasting that gesture with the absence of contact from the original production team.

I really appreciated Joey King reaching out to me, because no one who worked on the original film did. She’s a sweetheart.

— Evan Rachel Wood, Instagram Story

Director Explains the Necessity of Recasting

Director Susanne Bier has addressed the choice directly, stating it was not personal but driven by the story's timeline. The young characters in the sequel are depicted as recent college graduates, making recasting essential to maintain narrative consistency.

The film, written by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett and Kelly Marcel and based on Alice Hoffman's novel The Book of Magic, reunites Sandra Bullock as Sally and Nicole Kidman as Gillian. The sisters confront a dark family curse threatening their lineage once more.