The upcoming Hocus Pocus 2 has replaced its original director, Adam Shankman, with choreographer and filmmaker, Anne Fletcher. The first Hocus Pocus movie premiered in 1993, featuring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the iconic Sanderson sisters. Upon its initial release, the film received mixed reviews, ultimately ending with a disappointing run at the box office. However, over the years, Hocus Pocus has transformed into a highly beloved cult classic. Repeated airings on television, including the Disney Channel, have helped re-introduce the movie to new audiences every Halloween. Despite early lackluster responses in the nineties, it now perseveres as a popular staple during October’s spooky season, endearing itself to a growing legion of fans.
In Hocus Pocus, a disillusioned teenage boy, Max (Omri Katz), moves to Salem, Massachusetts with his family. On Halloween, he begrudgingly takes his younger sister, Dani (Thora Birch), trick-or-treating. When he runs into his school crush, Allison (Vinessa Shaw), he attempts to impress her by lighting a purportedly cursed candle at the abandoned home of the Sanderson sisters, a trio of siblings hung for witchcraft in the seventeenth century. To Max’s disbelief, the witches return, spurring a night of terror and comedy as the young cast try to avoid the wrath of Winifred and her sisters.
According to DisInsider, Anne Fletcher has stepped into the directing role previously undertaken by Adam Shankman for Hocus Pocus 2. At the moment, Shankman is reportedly preparing for the production of Disenchanted, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2007 live-action/animated musical fantasy film, Enchanted. It appears that a possible conflict in scheduling may have led to Fletcher taking over as the director of Hocus Pocus 2, which is currently expected to begin shooting around the same time as Disenchanted. Known largely for her impressive work as a choreographer, Fletcher has also directed a number of popular films, including 27 Dresses, The Proposal, and the recent Netflix teen comedy, Dumplin.’
Details regarding the upcoming sequel to Hocus Pocus remain guarded, but Disney has confirmed that Midler, Parker, and Najimy will be reprising their roles as the iconic Sanderson sisters. Although it has been almost thirty years since the trio graced the big screen, the actresses reunited last Halloween for a charity event, “In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover.” Their return delighted new and old fans alike, who applauded the humorous, improvisational take on their cherished characters.
When it comes to the early stages of film production in Hollywood, change-ups inevitably take place. Fortunately, it seems that the director swap was rooted less in behind-the-scenes drama and more in an issue of logistics. Moreover, it will be exciting to see how Fletcher chooses to lead Hocus Pocus 2, which will certainly draw in a large audience clamoring for the kind of warm comedy and nostalgia that made the first film such an enduring success. Hopefully, more cast members from the original classic pop in to let viewers know how their characters have fared as well.
Source: DisInsider