The Witches is a 1983 children's novel by Roald Dahl of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fame. Dahl's novel was first adapted for the screen in 1990 as a dark fantasy comedy which starred Anjelica Huston as Miss Ernst/the Grand High Witch and Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Stringer, the hotel manager. The original movie has since become a cult classic and a Halloween favorite, but it's about to see new life in an upcoming remake.
It is time for a new rendition of The Witches -- starring the likes of Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures, Ma, etc.) and Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries, Les Miserables, etc.) -- to spook out families, but not immediately in theaters. The retelling of a boy stumbling upon a coven of witches (who are bent on turning everyone into mice) will be available to stream on October 22. Here's where to find it and what to expect!
It Releases On HBO Max First
The Witches will have one week of exclusive streaming on HBO Max beginning October 22, 2020 and will stay on the platform even once it goes to the big screen. The convenience of a streamable movie will be a big draw for those who want something new just in time for Halloween.
Although the fate of movie theaters hangs in the balance, the film is set to go to theaters worldwide, starting on October 28. It's nice that there is an alternative for those who wish to stay home and enjoy it.
It's Set In Alabama, Not England
The story's central young boy, played by Jahzir Kadeen Bruno, goes to stay with his grandmother (Octavia Spencer) at a hotel in Alabama. After discovering a secretive coven of witches, the boy falls victim to their grand scheme -- the witches turn him into a mouse so that he'll be exterminated by the hotel staff.
Juxtaposed against the Southern charm of the late-'60s hotel, Octavia Spencer's character -- The Grandmother -- fights against The Grand High Witch (Hathaway) to save her grandson and all their other victims. Originally, the book and the original movie were set in England, making the remake the first one to have a distinctly American feel.
It's Directed By Robert Zemeckis & Narrated By Chris Rock
This movie will have the Back to the Future magic in it, as it's directed by none other than Robert Zemeckis. The Forrest Gump director is also one of three legendary writers for The Witches, as he's joined by Black-ish writer Kenya Barris and auteur filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
In addition to Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, and an all-around impressive cast, The Witches is also narrated by Chris Rock. He is the voice of the now-adult man who once was the young boy, and his narration serves as a look back at the crazy events that transpire in the hotel.
It Got A PG-Rating
Although The Witches is advertised as a movie that everyone in the family can enjoy, some kids might truly get scared. Like its 1990 predecessor, the 2020 film has a PG rating.
This is due to its thematic elements, scary moments and images, and language. One could argue that this is all standard fare for a Halloween movie that appeals to multiple age brackets. Kids in the '90s grew up with all kinds of scary movies, so it's cool that the next generation will have a spooky witch movie all their own.
It's A Reunion For The Devil Wears Prada
Fans of The Devil Wears Prada are particularly excited to see two cast members reunite. Here, Anne Hathaway (as The Grand High Witch) works directly with Stanley Tucci, who plays hotel manager Mr. Stringer.
Mr. Stringer has no clue that the Grand High Witch is leading a wild witches' convention right under his nose. Though Tucci's and Hathaway's roles are totally different from their characters in The Devil Wears Prada, they still have a great dynamic onscreen that fans look forward to seeing again. Sadly, there's no Meryl Streep in sight.
Anne Hathaway Is Ready
Those who were following the new scary movie were surprised to see that it would be arriving so soon. With so many films and series being pushed to 2021 due to the current pandemic situation, it was looking like The Witches would be delayed, too.
Additionally, the movie will have to speak for itself since its stars are being pretty quiet on social media. In contrast, Anne Hathaway is clearly ready for the release, captioning the trailer with "Boo" and a mouse emoji on her Instagram. Octavia Spencer also shared the trailer, but her caption said "Witches are real!"
Kristin Chenoweth Is In The Movie
The trailer gives viewers a good idea of what to expect in the action of the movie, although it doesn't give everything away. Kristin Chenoweth will be seen in The Witches, but her role has not been disclosed. It is likely that she will be a spunky witch in the coven who gives Anne Hathaway a hard time.
Everyone will just have to wait and see. Chenoweth's fans know that she has experience playing a witch, albeit a good one. Chenoweth is known for her roles in movies like Stranger Than Fiction, Running With Scissors, and Bewitched.
Alan Silvestri Composed The Score
A fantastical remake like The Witches needs a phenomenal musical score, which is why Alan Silvestri is the composer. This will be another grand Silvestri score in the professional's already iconic career, which includes previous collaborations with Zemeckis on the Back to the Future franchise, Death Becomes Her and Forrest Gump. More recently, Silvestri composed the two-part superhero epic that was Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
There's nothing quite like scary movie music, especially combined with the whimsy of a fresh take on a family story. The music is supposed to transport the audience to another place, and The Witches looks like the kind of movie that will deliver on that.