Disney has finally recognized the popularity of Hocus Pocus, one of the best kid-friendly Halloween-themed horror films ever made.
The Kenny Ortega-directed 1993 movie starred Omri Katz as a curious youngster who moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches (played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) that were executed in the 17th century. The film also starred Thora Birch.
After being ignored for years – much like that of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Hocus Pocus has had quite the resurgence in pop culture. From Halloweentime screenings through Fathom Events to Funko Pop Vinyl box sets, the witches have even made their way to the Disney Parks as part of their annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, not to mention having their own dedicated merchandising sections.
READ ALSO: Tony Gardner Shares Never-Before-Seen Photos From the Set of Hocus Pocus! [Exclusive]
Disney began kicking the tires of a new Hocus Pocus over five years ago with Hocus Pocus 2: Rise of the Elderwitch, which would have focused on a witch hunter and a single witch. Then, two years ago, it was reported that a TV remake was in the works for The Disney Channel with an entirely new cast. This woke Midler from the grave, who shared her displeasure for the new incarnation: “I know it’s cheap. It’s going to be cheap!” Midler told People at the New York Restoration Project’s Hulaween party.
This may have caught the eye of Disney executives as neither project came to fruition (obviously). If Midler was so against a remake, maybe she’d return for a proper sequel? And now with Disney+ launching, they’re surely using algorithms to see what’s their most popular content. The answer is clearly Hocus Pocus.
With that, they hope to resurrect all three witches for Hocus Pocus 2, Collider reports, adding that Jen D’Angelo, who served as a writer and co-producer on “Workaholics”, has been hired to write the script.
Sources say that D’Angelo has been tasked with finding a way to bring back the original cast of Bette Midler as Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah, and Kathy Najimy as Mary. None of them are attached at the moment, but the studio is hopeful that they’ll be involved with the sequel in some capacity.
With Disney’s insane spending on Disney+ content, there’s no reason they can’t conjure up enough dollar bills for a reunion.
Disney+ launches on November 12. Is a Hocus Pocus and its sequel enough to get you to sign up for a year?
READ ALSO: How ‘The Lords of Salem’ Was Essentially Rob Zombie’s Dark Remake of ‘Hocus Pocus’