A new Hocus Pocus 2 photo shows the Sanderson sisters as kids in the highly anticipated Disney sequel. Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson first charmed audiences as the trio of witches in 1993's Hocus Pocus, which has since become a Halloween movie staple. Brought to life by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, the Sanderson sisters aimed to stay young forever by sucking the life from children. Though the coven was played to campy perfection in the first film, many viewers were left wanting even more.
Disney greenlit Hocus Pocus 2 in 2020, promising the return of all three original Sanderson Sisters. Set 29 years after the original flick, the followup sees new crop of Salem high school students Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) light the Black Flame Candle and inadvertently awaken the Sanderson sisters. The recently dropped Hocus Pocus 2 teaser trailer promised more mayhem from the wicked siblings, but didn't give too much away about their new storyline. Of course, it's also been confirmed that the movie will show the Sandersons as children in 17th Century Salem, leading moviegoers to believe the characters will be given more pathos.
A new photo from fan account Hocus Pocus Guide reveals the first closeup look at the Sanderson sisters as kids. The picture features Taylor Henderson as Young Winifred, Juju Journey Brener as Young Sarah, and Nina Kitchen as Young Mary. Check out what appears to be a movie still below:
Based on the photo, Winifred was always the leader of the rag tag gang. She stands in the middle with her beloved spellbook as Mary and Sarah flank her. Winnie is the easiest character to make out, as she's been given prosthetic teeth and a fiery wig that matches Midler's older iteration. She's oddly not wearing her signature color, green, but a red top. And while Sarah is hardly seen in the snap, Mary's bemused look and custom hat give her away.
Since the Sanderson sisters are the reason why Hocus Pocus has grown into such a beloved property, it's thrilling to think more will be revealed about their backstory. It's been nearly three decades since the first film was released, and grounding the outlandish characters is more necessary for 2022 audiences. Hopefully the flashbacks provide more information as to why the returning Sanderson witches are so hellbent on staying young and beautiful forever. All will be revealed when Hocus Pocus 2 hits Disney+ on September 30.
Source: Hocus Pocus Guide/Instagram