Disney's Hocus Pocus 2 production team was spotted purchasing spooky New England props at a local antique shop. Hocus Pocus has been bewitching fans since premiering in 1993. Showcasing the wickedly hilarious Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters, the story centers on their antics after Salem teenager (Omri Katz) accidentally resurrects them on Halloween night. Though the film wasn't initially considered a commercial success, Hocus Pocus reached cult status over the years and spawned a fandom hungry for a followup film.
After decades of buzz, Disney finally confirmed Hocus Pocus 2 was happening in 2020. Much to fans delight, all three of the original Sanderson sisters signed on to reprise their iconic roles. Anne Fletcher (Dumplin') is set to helm the picture, which is written by Jen D'Angelo (Workaholics). Though the plot is being kept tightly under wraps, it's known that the mystical production will film in Rhode Island this time instead of Salem, Massachusetts.
Local Massachusetts publication South Coast Today reported that two set decorators were recently shopping for the film at a well-known antique center in the area called New Bedford Antiques at the Cove. Seasoned employee Donna Gagne opened up to the media about the spooky items the duo left with:
“The items were very New England feel, they had that rustic kind of spooky charm to them. Really cool, darkish kind of pieces. But a lot of fun pieces, too. A lot of lamps, dark lamps, dark shades, some pumpkins, different kinds of apothecary jars… very old school New England.”
Gagne added that the team kept the story a secret as they shopped. It seems they went to the right place, as this wasn't New Bedford Antiques' first spell in Hollywood. The highly regarded shop also sold items to set dressers from films like Moonrise Kingdom, Grown Ups 2, and the Ted films. Of course, the other-worldly items purchased for Hocus Pocus 2 were no doubt very different from them. Gagne said it's always fun to watch the movie after they're released to try and find the props onscreen.
Props played a large role in Hocus Pocus, with the original production favoring practical effects over special effects. The film's title brings to mind now-iconic items like the witches' brooms (and vacuum cleaner), the Black Flame Candle, and who could forget Winifred's all-knowing book. Fans are as eager to see if any of these props reappear in the sequel as they are to see what cast members reprise their roles.
Though the items that set dressers purchased for Hocus Pocus 2 are pretty generic to Halloween, it does hint at the possible return of the Sanderson's house turned-museum. The apothecary jars could easily be found on the shelves of the eerie Tudor cottage. The highly-anticipated sequel will be at the very least enjoyable for viewers if it features signature set and prop pieces. Of course, fans are hoping it will be much more spooktacular than that when the fall of 2022 release rolls around.
Source: South Coast Today