A new photo from the set of Disney's Hocus Pocus 2 shows Sarah Jessica Parker in full Sarah Sanderson mode while shooting the film's big musical number. Parker became a Halloween icon alongside co-stars Bette Midler and Kathy Naijmy after the trio enchanted audiences as the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus. The wickedly campy comedy premiered in 1993, and yet is more popular than ever nearly three decades later. Much of the longevity is due to the threesome's epic performances, which saw Midler has head witch Winnie, Mary as her kooky sister Mary and Parker as the lustful Sarah.
Much to the delight of fans, Disney officially greenlit Hocus Pocus 2 in 2020. All three of the original Sanderson coven confirmed their return, with director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal) at the helm. The highly-anticipated followup officially started production in the fall of 2021, opting to shoot in Rhode Island this time around. Locals watched as the team transformed the Ocean State into Salem (where the original took place) for filming. Buzzing onlookers having been sneaking Hocus Pocus set photos and videos of the iconic ladies back in action onset, giving the world a glimpse at what to expect.
Popular Instagram account Hocus Pocus Guide shared a closeup look at Sarah Jessica Parker in her full Sarah Sanderson ensemble while filming the movie's new musical number. Donning flowing blonde locks and rosy regalia, the Sex and the City star seems to have slipped right back in to character. Check out the behind-the-scenes snap below:
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Parker's doe-eyed expression and overall physicality makes it clear she's conjured her witchy alter ego up once again. Fans took to the comment section to remark on how nearly 30 years later Parker still looks the exactly the same as her Sanderson sister. Of course, being back in her complete Sarah costume definitely aids in the magic. Though the sequel has a different costume designer (Salvador Pérez Jr. has taken the reins from Mary E. Vogt), the core of the Sanderson's clothes remain the same with subtle differences like Sarah's webbed arm detailing.
Another similarity to the first film is that Hocus Pocus 2 will feature a musical number. The I Put A Spell On You scene from the original movie was a definite standout, and will be tough to follow up. Disney appears to be calling on the ingredients that made the first spell so successful, by having the sisters once again performer a song and dance at a Halloween-event. Midler will lead her powerhouse sisters in a spooky rendition of Blondie's One Way Or Another.
In an age where nostalgia is the hottest trend, Hocus Pocus 2 certainly has the potential to be a smash hit. Simply seeing Midler, Najimy and Parker back in character and running amuck is enough to bring joy to Pocus-ers around the world. While these treats are spooktacular, the trick will be seeing how Hocus Pocus 2 adds layers and nuance to their leading ladies. Fans certainly love their hijinks, but also deeply crave backstory on their relationship and motivations. Hopefully all will be answered upon release in the fall of 2022.
Source: Hocus Pocus Guide/Instagram