Alexandra Artrip has spoken about the recasting of Practical Magic 2 and the negative reactions surrounding the decision. The 36 year old former child actress played Antonia Owens, one of the daughters of Sandra Bullock’s character Sally Owens in the original Practical Magic. She appeared alongside Evan Rachel Wood, who played her sister Kylie.
For the upcoming sequel, the roles have been recast. Maisie Williams will now play Antonia, while Joey King will take over the role of Kylie. The change has led to reactions from some fans who were hoping to see the original young actresses return. Alexandra recently addressed the situation through her Instagram account, which focuses on all things related to Practical Magic.
Alexandra said she understands that many fans are trying to show their support for her, Evan and the original movie. However, she does not want her social media page to become a place for negativity toward the new cast.
“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 the 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.”
Alexandra was responding to a comment from a fan who said they did not want to watch the sequel because the original actresses had been replaced. She encouraged viewers to give the new movie a fair chance instead of judging it before watching.
“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 and new content in 2026, and that it’s given me a space to revisit all those beloved memories so many years later,” Alexandra added.
Alexandra has only three acting credits, including Practical Magic, Touched by an Angel and Walker, Texas Ranger. Her latest comments come after Evan Rachel Wood also confirmed that she was not asked to return for the sequel. Evan previously explained why bringing her back did not work out and later praised Joey King for reaching out to her.
Despite not returning, Alexandra appears to be supportive of the sequel and wants fans to focus on celebrating the original movie while giving the new cast an opportunity to continue its story.
