Practical Magic 2 star hits back at criticism she ‘ruined’ new movie

EntertainmentMovie
2 Sep 2026 • 12:07 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Practical Magic 2 star hits back at criticism she ‘ruined’ new movie

Joey King is standing up to people who criticize her role in Practical Magic 2.

After a TikTok user complained that King — who plays Sandra Bullock’s character’s daughter Kylie Owens in the sequel to the 1998 cult classic — “ruined what would have been a beautiful, witchy fan fave movie,” the 27-year-old actor responded with a thoughtful comment.

“Awww no!! I do hope you like the movie, it was a true honor to be in it as a massive fan of the original myself,” King commented on the post, according to E! News. “I know it’s hard sometimes when legacy sequels are made and casting is different than what certain people envisioned, but I only ask that you open your mind a little and see how much fun I had making it.”

She added: “Being an Owen’s [sic] woman is not something I take lightly and I hope that respect shines through.”

King’s response silenced the critic, who responded to her comment: “Yeah... you tore me up. Sorry queen.”

Nearly 30 years after the release of the beloved Nineties film, which starred Bullock as Sally Owens and Nicole Kidman as her sister Gillian Owens, King joins the cast alongside Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams in playing Sally’s daughters, who were originally portrayed by child actors Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip.

Wood previously spoke out about being disappointed that she was not asked to return for the sequel, and told Entertainment Tonight in July that she “hadn’t had the chance to connect” with King about the character she originated.

The sequel is directed by Susanne Bier and based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic. The movie, out September 11, follows the Owens women as they confront the return of a family curse that kills the people they love.

At the European premiere of the film last week, Kidman told The Independent that Practical Magic 2 was made because of the fans’ love for the original movie.

Joey King plays Kylie Owens, who was originally played by Evan Rachel Wood in the 1998 cult classic film (Getty)

“It’s about sisterhood, it's about family,” the Oscar-winning actor said. “When it first came out, it reached a smaller section of people than we'd hoped for, and then suddenly it found its way.”

At the same time, Bullock said that reprising the role of Sally was “special” and “easy.” “It found its people and its tribe through social media, all the themes got to live over and over and over again,” she said.

“And when you see something that beloved, you don't wanna mess with it. But then Alice Hoffman wrote the book.”

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