When a group of witches get together it just may rattle a few cages. And with a reboot of one of the most popular and longest running series, Charmed, the news is not without its grumblings, including that of actress Holly Marie Combs, who played Piper Halliwell in the original series.

Charmed, a television show about three witch sisters, ran from 1998 to 2006. The original series has maintained popularity over the years, earning itself a loyal fanbase and cult status, many of whom have written off the new series before it has even been aired.

Off-screen grumblings aside, The CW has just released the first trailer of the new Charmed series, which is expected to air on The CW channel in the autumn.

This time round the reboot will centre on two sisters who have their world rocked when a third sister they never knew about shows up after the murder of their mother.

In a statement, The CW said: “This fierce, funny, feminist reboot of the original series centers on three sisters in a college town who discover they are witches. Between vanquishing supernatural demons, tearing down the patriarchy, and maintaining familial bonds, a witch’s work is never done.”

In the reboot, Melonie Diaz (Fruitvale Station) will play Mel, one of three sisters with magical powers. Her character is a young witch who is “passionate, outspoken activist who loses her way in the wake of family tragedy”. The character is also a lesbian.

Sarah Jeffery will play Madison Pruitt, a “bubbly college freshman” who learns she is a witch alongside her two sisters.

Madeleine Mantock will play the role of Macy Pruitt. Macy is the eldest of the three sisters and is a geneticist.

On Twitter, Shades of Blue star Sarah Jeffery wrote on defence of the new series. She said: “I’m only going to go here once. I fully understand how dear the OG Charmed is to many. For very, very good reason. We are so beyond grateful to have the opportunity to bring this reboot to life and bring current, timely themes to the forefront of a show that stars not one, not two, but THREE [women of color]!!! We regard the foundation that was laid with great respect.”

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief @rosamedea