Joey King Responds to Practical Magic 2 Backlash as Fans Debate Her Casting
Joey King has responded to criticism surrounding her role in Practical Magic 2, urging long-time fans of the 1998 classic to give the new chapter a chance.
King plays Kylie Owens, the daughter of Sandra Bullock’s Sally Owens, in the long-awaited sequel. The casting has sparked discussion online, particularly among fans who have strong memories of the original movie.
Rather than responding defensively, King addressed one critic directly and explained why joining the sequel means so much to her.
Joey King Addresses Criticism Over Practical Magic 2
The controversy began after a TikTok user criticised King’s involvement in Practical Magic 2 and argued that her casting had hurt the upcoming sequel.
King replied directly in the comments. She acknowledged that audiences can have strong expectations when a beloved film returns decades later.
She also asked viewers to approach the sequel with an open mind and said she genuinely hopes they enjoy the finished movie.
Most importantly, King emphasised her personal connection to the original Practical Magic. She has previously described herself as a fan of the 1998 film, making her casting in the sequel particularly meaningful.
The exchange eventually took a more positive turn. The social media critic responded to King and apologised after hearing her perspective.
Why Joey King Says the Role Matters to Her
Taking over a character connected to one of the most recognisable witchy movies of the late 1990s comes with obvious pressure.
King is not simply entering a new fantasy franchise. She is joining a story that already has a dedicated fan base and reunites two of its biggest stars, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
In Practical Magic 2, King portrays Kylie Owens, while Maisie Williams plays her sister Antonia. The two actresses are part of the next generation of the Owens family.
King and Williams have also spoken about being fans of the original movie themselves. In an interview with Teen Vogue, they discussed the responsibility they felt while stepping into the sequel and the close friendship they developed during production.
That connection may help explain why King chose to respond to criticism with reassurance rather than hostility.
Practical Magic 2 Brings Back Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman
The sequel reunites Bullock and Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens, the witch sisters at the centre of the original film.
Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest are also returning as Aunt Frances and Aunt Jet. Alongside the returning cast, the sequel introduces King, Williams and several other new performers.
The story continues the Owens family saga while shifting attention toward the younger generation and the challenges surrounding their magical heritage.
Reuters reported that the new film explores the family’s multigenerational struggles while retaining the themes of sisterhood and female empowerment that helped make the original a cult favourite.
Joey King and Maisie Williams Carry the Next Chapter
King and Williams have an important role in extending the Owens family story.
Their characters, Kylie and Antonia, are Sally’s grown daughters. The sequel, therefore, has to balance the nostalgia surrounding Bullock’s and Kidman’s returns with a new storyline centred on the younger characters.
According to Teen Vogue, King and Williams developed a close relationship during the four-month shoot. Their off-screen connection also helped shape the sisterly dynamic they bring to the movie.
For long-time viewers, that creates a different reason to be curious about the sequel. The film is not simply bringing back familiar characters. It is also passing the story to a new generation of Owens women.
Practical Magic 2 Arrives Nearly Three Decades After the Original
The original Practical Magic was released in 1998 and starred Bullock and Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens.
Although the film was not initially an enormous theatrical success, it developed a devoted following over the years. That enduring popularity eventually helped pave the way for a sequel.
Practical Magic 2 is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 11, 2026. The film is directed by Susanne Bier and continues the story of the Owens family more than two decades after the events of the first movie.
The return of Bullock and Kidman has been one of the sequel’s biggest attractions, but the addition of King and Williams signals that the franchise is also looking toward its future.
Fans Will Have to See the Movie Before Judging the New Cast
Casting changes can be particularly sensitive when a sequel follows a much-loved original.
That appears to be exactly what King was addressing in her response. Instead of dismissing criticism, she recognised that fans may have imagined the next generation of characters differently.
Her message was ultimately simple: watch the movie before making a final judgement.
That approach has also been consistent with the way King has discussed the project publicly. She has described being part of the Practical Magic universe as a special opportunity and has stressed how much respect she has for the original film.
Whether audiences ultimately embrace Kylie Owens remains to be seen. For now, however, King appears determined to approach the role with the same enthusiasm she had as a fan of the original.
What to Know About Practical Magic 2
Practical Magic 2 reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman and introduces Joey King and Maisie Williams as the next generation of the Owens family.
The sequel is expected to continue the franchise’s focus on magic, family and sisterhood while expanding the story beyond the characters audiences first met in 1998.
With its September release approaching, the conversation around the film is likely to intensify. For King, the best answer to the criticism may simply be letting audiences experience her performance for themselves.