Keep calm and carry on because Hocus Pocus 2 is just two weeks away from premiering on Disney+. Although I cannot stay calm because I grew up watching the first Hocus Pocus film and have many wonderful memories of it. It’s a staple movie to watch every Halloween, and this year, we can all add another one to the list!
After nearly 30 years, the Sanderson Sisters will return to Salem. Can you believe it’s been so long, and this sequel is finally happening?! Bette Midler has been trying to make it happen for years and she finally succeeded. But that begs the question: what comes after?
Before we get into what the stars of Hocus Pocus had to say about a third movie, let’s talk about what they had to say about returning after so long. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy spoke about the sequel and what brought the story back to life.
The three of them worked a lot with director Anne Fletcher. “Anne was so great. She said, ‘You guys created these characters, you know how they talk and what they do or don’t do,’” Midler said. “When the first draft came in, we sent it back with [character] notes and suggestions, and they interpolated them into the script. As it went on, if there were lapses in logic, we’d bring it to their attention, but it was more about how the characters speak.”
If you’re curious about the timeline of the movie, the Sanderson Sisters will be returning to Salem nearly 30 years after they last were banished from it. Things are going to look quite different; after all, there are now smartphones, social media, and well, the Kardashians. How ever will they fare?
Is Hocus Pocus 3 possible?
As we await the sequel, there is the question of whether there will be a third film. There is no confirmation but Midler definitely has some thoughts on it.
“I don’t know. I’m envious of other actors who have franchises, and I was hoping for a sequel to First Wives Club, but we never got that,” Midler shared. “After 30 years with no sequel to Hocus Pocus, I’ve always been envious of people who get to do their favorite character more than once. The fact that we got to do this finally, after 30 years of promoting the idea, I’m glad we got to do it. I’d love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing. If there was a third one, of course I’d sign on, but I don’t know how. I can’t imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship. It’s good for women. We stick together through hell and high water, but we do cause mayhem, and not many women cause that much mayhem!”
If Disney knows what it’s doing, it will recognize the value in keeping this franchise going. The first movie was a cult classic and conjures up nostalgia and joy for many fans. There is not a Halloween that has gone by in the last three decades where Hocus Pocus hasn’t been on in my house.
Depending on how this sequel does, I’m hoping Disney will decide to make more. I know the story can’t go on forever, but some of us waited 30 years for the Sanderson Sisters to return, so give the people what they want!
Hocus Pocus 2 premieres on Disney+ on September 30.
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h/t SYFY Wire
