A long-awaited sequel to Disney’s Halloween classic Hocus Pocus is mere weeks away, reuniting cast members Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as the bewitching Sanderson sisters. But given the nearly three-decade timeline it took to get a second film, one could forgive the premature speculation about a third installment.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the franchise’s stars addressed the idea of Hocus Pocus 3—to varying degrees of coyness. Midler, who reprises her role of Winnie, wouldn’t confirm speculation about a future follow-up, but said she’s disappointed that her filmography hasn’t yielded more sequels. “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 began, breaking hearts everywhere. “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.” She added, “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.”
Parker, who admitted she’d only seen the original 1993 film once before shooting its sequel, said that an animated concept had been discussed. “Kathy had a good idea that the third one should be animated,” she said. “That would be cool and a smart idea. It’s fun, funny, and could be interesting and innovative, like old-fashioned or new [animation]. Of course I’d be happy to have a conversation, it just depends on what Kathy and Bette want!”
Najimy, who plays Mary, quelled expectations a bit. “I feel like we’re done,” she said. “We’ve pulled every story you could pull out of this. I guess, never say never, but I feel grateful that we got to do it again. I don’t know that there are plans for a third one, but I know fans are dedicated to this film.”
For what it’s worth, sequel director Anne Fletcher also told SFX magazine that she “definitely kept it wide open for any sequel.” Producer Lynn Harris added that “there’s always potential. It’s a movie about magic and witches. Those things are timeless, aren’t they? A multiverse of witches!”
The cast did confirm that there will be two “I Put a Spell on You”–esque musical numbers in the upcoming sequel. “We suggested that there be songs,” Midler told EW. “That was our big contribution. We said, ‘They have to sing.’” Parker revealed that the performances will be covers “that are familiar to a variety of age groups.” Meanwhile, Najimy said that at least one performance will take place at—where else—a Halloween party, alongside three RuPaul’s Drag Race queens: Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté, Kahmora Hall, and Ginger Minj.
Thank you to vanityfair.com for the info!
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