Key members of the original cast of Hocus Pocus are willing to return for Hocus Pocus 2, according to star Sarah Jessica Parker. A sequel to the beloved Halloween classic is finally on the way, almost three decades after the original film bombed at the box office before developing a cult following among Disney Channel enthusiasts. A follow-up film wouldn't be the same without the original Sanderson sisters, so it's a relief to know they're all interested in returning to their roles.
A new iteration of Hocus Pocus has been kicked around for several years now, ever since it found new life in the eyes of those who watch Disney and Freeform religiously around the holidays. Bette Midler, who played Winnie, stated that she was game for a sequel all the way back in November 2014. There was also movement towards creating a new Disney Channel original movie, but that ultimately didn't come to fruition. The biggest development came in October, when it was revealed a Hocus Pocus sequel would be moving forward on the Disney+ streaming service.
Whether or not that sequel will include the original cast remains unclear. But in comments made on Sirius XM's Quarantined With Bruce show this week, Parker - who played Sarah - leaned into the idea the original witches would be willing to return for the sequel. She stated, "I think that it’s something that Bette [Midler] and Kathy [Najimy] and I are … very hospitable to." Being "hospitable" doesn't mean it's definitely going to happen, but getting everyone on board is likely half the battle.
The return of the three witches would be the most important casting development for Hocus Pocus 2. That being said, it wouldn't have the same essence without some of the other members of the supporting cast, who Parker did not make mention of in her comments. For instance, Doug Jones has previously expressed interest in reprising his role of Billy Butcherson in a sequel, but there's no evidence the creative team behind the sequel is interested in bringing him back (yet).
Development on Hocus Pocus 2 is still in its infancy, with most public developments coming in the past few months. There's a writer, a director (Adam Shankman) and a platform, but little else. And despite Parker's optimistic comments, there's no guarantee the original witches will be returning to Salem for another round of hilarious Halloween frights. As one of the most famous actresses on the planet, however, Parker's words hold a lot of weight; if she says the original witches want to get back together for Hocus Pocus 2, that should become the expectation.
Source: Sirius XM/YouTube