Bette Midler has confirmed that the rumored sequel to 1993’s Halloween cult-classic Hocus Pocus 2 is in the early stages of development with the original three witches. The original film, which starred Midler alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the witchy Sanderson sisters, has maintained a passionate fan base over the years, especially during October. A sequel has been reportedly in the works for Disney+.
Hocus Pocus wasn’t a massive success upon its original theatrical release. Still, the film has only grown in popularity in recent years – largely from the continued adoration of fans who grew up watching the movie at home as kids. Because of that continued love, the chance for a follow-up has always been on the table, and different rumors about bringing the Sanderson sisters back have circulated for some time. Midler has said before that she’d be excited to return to her role, and Parker echoed similar sentiments earlier this year.
Now, in a recent interview with Fox 5 New York’s Good Day New York, Midler has once again stoked excitement for the Sandersons’ return. Discussing the original cast’s return for their upcoming virtual charity event “In Search of the Sanderson Sisters,” which will air on October 30th, Midler briefly discussed movement on the proper sequel. “They want to make a movie. They’ve asked us if we were interested, and of course, we all said yeah,” Midler said. “I mean, I’m game. I’m totally game.”
Hearing confirmation that all three stars of the original film are on board and excited about the Disney+ sequel should be a big relief for fans and even more reason to get excited for more bizarre curses, talking cats, and spooky hijinks. The on-screen chemistry between Midler, Parker, and Najimy is a massive part of why people have continued returning to the movie every Halloween. Their collective absurdity is a joy to watch, and it’s likely to be just as much fun three decades later. Fortunately, the upcoming charity event for the New York Restoration Project will give fans a glimpse at what the three stars will look like back in costume.
Disney+ has offered a venue for lots of nostalgia-laden classics like Hocus Pocus to be revived in the public consciousness, and it seems like a perfect space for some of those beloved properties to be given new life. While some planned revivals for the streaming platform have fallen through, content like Hocus Pocus 2 could prove the potential of returning to Disney’s lesser-known back catalog. Hopefully, we’ll all get more details on the Hocus Pocus 2 soon.
Source: Fox 5 New York