Joey King Says She and Evan Rachel Wood Had a Supportive Exchange After Recasting
Joey King, who takes over the role of Kylie Owens in 'Practical Magic 2' from Evan Rachel Wood, said she had a warm conversation with Wood after Wood publicly discussed being recast. King expressed gratitude for Wood's supportive words and praised her portrayal of the character. Director Susanne Bier explained the recasting was due to the characters' age in the sequel, which required actresses just out of college.
The sequel jumps 25 years past the original, which is why the daughters needed to be recast with performers who appear just out of college. Joey King and Maisie Williams step into roles previously played by Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip, with King's character Kylie taking on a significantly expanded storyline involving hidden family secrets and emerging dark powers.
The project gained momentum after fans campaigned loudly on social media, with Sandra Bullock noting the sequel required many elements to align, including budget, timing, and a screenwriter. Akiva Goldsman ultimately wrote the script, drawing from Alice Hoffman's 2021 novel "The Book of Magic." Producer Denise Di Novi confirmed that Aidan Quinn's character Gary died from the family curse, explaining his absence from the sequel.
This recasting story may resonate with audiences who feel protective of beloved cult properties, as casting changes often spark debate among devoted fanbases. The warm exchange between King and Wood could model constructive handling of industry transitions, potentially influencing how similar situations are discussed publicly. The sequel's existence also reflects how streaming-era nostalgia drives studios to revisit older titles, which may affect how fans engage with both the original film and its legacy.