Words: Alastair James; pictures: Walt Disney Pictures
“It’s been 300 years,” according to Bette Midler. But the delightfully wicked Sanderson Sisters are set to conjure more chills, laughs and mayhem in Hocus Pocus 2, coming to Disney+ in 2022.
Bette Midler (Beaches), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), and Kathryn Najimy (Sister Act) will all reprise their iconic roles as Winnifred, Sarah, and Mary respectively in the spooky sequel to 1993’s Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus.
While it had been revealed previously that a sequel was in the works, only now do we know it is going ahead with villainous trio being resurrected once again. And we cannot wait!
“We’re BACK!”
Midler couldn’t help slipping back into character to help break the announcement on Twitter with the iconic line: “Sistaaaahs!”
Sistaaaahs! It’s been 300 years… But we’re BACK! 🧹 #HocusPocus2 arrives Fall 2022 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/OFMTlfjCDq
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) May 20, 2021
Posting on Instagram, Parker said she was ready to run “amok, amok, amok, amok.”
The first film sees the Sanderson Sisters inadvertently resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. The sequel will see three young women (yet to be cast) do the same and have to figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc.
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Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses) is set to direct, with the original movie’s director, Adam Shankman (Hairspray) joining as executive producer.
Shankman has expressed his regret at not being able to return as director but said he was happy to hand the job over to his friend.
“As heartbroken as I am that I won’t be able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jessica and Kathy in what is sure to be nothing short of a major event for Disney+ due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more pleased to be handing over the reins to Anne, who has brought so much laughter and joy into people’s lives with her previous work,” he commented.
“I am still grateful and proud to help shepherd this ingenious project.”
Fletcher added: “Now more than ever, people need to laugh. We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film.
“I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special. This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Fingers crossed we’ll be cackling with laughter after the film’s release.
Hocus Pocus 2 is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2022.
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