Artrip portrayed Antonia in the original film, a character Maisie Williams now plays in “Practical Magic 2.”

Practical Magic star Alexandra Artrip addresses being recast in sequel after Evan Rachel Wood’s comments

Artrip portrayed Antonia in the original film, a character Maisie Williams now plays in “Practical Magic 2.”

By Leigh Blickley

September 4, 2026 11:18 a.m. ET

Alexandra Artrip in ‘Practical Magic’; Artrip on Instagram. Credit:

Warner Bros. Pictures; Alexandra Artrip/Instagram

- Alexandra Artrip reacted to the “negativity” surrounding her and Evan Rachel Wood’s recasting in *Practical Magic 2*.

- The actors were kids when they starred in the original 1998 film, and have been replaced by Maisie Williams and Joey King, respectively.

- Artrip said she wants fans to support the sequel, and called their replacements “lovely actresses.”

Alexandra Artrip is happy to be a part of the legacy of *Practical Magic*, despite being recast in the upcoming sequel.

The retired actress, now 36, launched a social media account to share memories from her time on the 1998 movie set, and admitted that she’s not enjoying the “negativity” surrounding her and costar Evan Rachel Wood’s recasting in *Practical Magic 2*.

“I see a lot of content going around about the sequel and I think the sentiment is right. You know, people are trying to show support for Evan and myself and the original film and everything that it’s meant to so many people but I just don’t want my stuff to be a space for negativity,” Artrip said in a video posted to her Instagram on Thursday.

Artrip and Wood, now 38, played Sandra Bullock’s character Sally Owens’ daughters, Antonia and Kylie, respectively, in the original film. They were replaced by Maisie Williams and Joey King for the 2026 sequel, which is set 25 years after the events of *Practical Magic* and based off of author Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel, *The Book of Magic*.

Artrip called Williams and King “lovely actresses” and said she’s “sure the production team did what they felt was best for the film to be successful.”

Alexandra Artrip and Evan Rachel Wood in ‘Practical Magic’.

Warner Bros. Pictures

In a chat with *Variety* at the *Practical Magic 2* Los Angeles premiere on Monday, director Susanne Bier insisted that the film needed to recast the sisters for the story to make sense. “It was not a personal thing,” Bier said. “The kids in the story are right out of college, so it wasn’t really a question. We had to recast.”

Wood seemingly did take it personally, however, revealing this week that “no one who worked on the original film”—which included cast members Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest—reached out to her amid the switch-up. (“Sweetheart” King did contact her, which Wood “really appreciated.”)

“I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are recasting,” Wood said of the sequel last year. “I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters.”

Evan Rachel Wood reveals the 1 cast member who reached out amid ‘Practical Magic 2’ recasting

‘Practical Magic 2’ director says Evan Rachel Wood recasting was ‘not personal’

In July, Wood reiterated there’s no ill will towards the new Kylie Owens, telling *Entertainment Tonight* at *The Shards* premiere, “I wish them all the best and obviously wish Joey King the best. And I hope she had a great time and I still have really fond memories of being in the original.”

Artrip also has beloved memories from the set, and has been sharing stories, photos, and memes of *Practical Magic *on her social media page.

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“I just think we should support the film, give it a shot, go in with an open mind,” Artrip shared Thursday. “Nothing can take away from what the original film was, and I’m excited that we’re able to build on that world with the novel and new content in 2026. And that it’s given me a space to revisit all those beloved memories years later.”

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Source: “EW Sci-Fi”