After Evan Rachel Wood opened up about Practical Magic 2 recasting her character, Alexandra Artrip is now chiming in on the discourse.
In 1998’s Practical Magic, Artrip played Antonia, the youngest daughter of Sandra Bullock’s character Sally Owens, alongside Wood as her older sister Kylie. In the upcoming sequel, Maisie Williams and Joey King were cast for the roles, respectively.
Artrip, who has since retired from acting, took to Instagram on Thursday to respond to fans criticizing the recasting decision. “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 said in a video. “I think the sentiment is right; people are trying to show support for Evan and myself and the original film and everything it’s meant to so many people, but I just don’t want my stuff to be a space for 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 so many years later,” Artrip added.
Last year, Wood told fans that she wouldn’t be in the sequel, saying, “I was not asked to come back.” She added, “I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are recasting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters.” Wood later wished King the best in taking over the role of Kylie, while chatting with Entertainment Tonight.
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter at Practical Magic 2‘s Los Angeles premiere, King said she “had a lovely conversation” with Wood following that ET interview.
“I just was so appreciative of the support that she showed to me and to the rest of the cast,” she added. “She is so talented and so beautiful and she made this role so special when she was a young girl. I feel so grateful to be able to play Kylie at this age but I love Evan so much and I’m so appreciative of her kind words and the exchange that her and I shared.”
Practical Magic 2 sees Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprising their characters Sally Owens and Gillian Owens, respectively, as well as Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing returning as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny, respectively.
The film arrives in theaters Sept. 11.
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