I know what you’re thinking and yes, it is THAT Hocus Pocus. The 1993 movie that plays on Disney Channel every Halloween. The one every child of the 90s loves to watch and remember how awesome childhood was. It makes me very happy, now that I’m too old to trick or treat, to while away the hours before the good parties start by sitting on the couch watching all the movies on television for the holiday. And I don’t think a year has passed where I haven’t enjoyed the pumpkin day classic that is Hocus Pocus. And now there is a rumor that Disney might be bringing us a sequel to the beloved cult film.
Thora Birch as Dani
Hocus Pocus features Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker (from Sex in the City), and Kathy Najimy as three Salem witches who arise from the dead in modern day Massachusetts to wreak havoc on the children one Halloween night. Most of the kids featured in the movie are people who were never seen again, but you might recognize a young Thora Birch (from American Beauty) as the little sister Dani. It’s directed by Kenny Ortega, a name you probably know from the High School Musical franchise. Ortega is also the director of that other cult Disney fave, Newsies. Considering that the project is just a rumor at this point, there’s no telling whether or not any or all of these people will be returning for the sequel.
Sarah Jessica Parker
But there is one thing we may already know, the title for the movie is said to be (according to Moviehole.com) Hocus Pocus 2: Rise of the Elderwitch. From that title we can probably guess that the three sisters may be trimmed down to one witch. My hope is that Disney will stick to original spirit of the story – the cheesy, feel-good vibe that gives way to one awesome musical number. I doubt that a family channel would do something like a “darker origin story” that is currently so popular. Any Hocus Pocus sequel should be silly and fun, and we can keep our fingers crossed for some cameos. I for one would love to see Sarah Jessica Parker, now so popular as fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, back to her old tricks as the flirty sister Sarah. Hopefully Disney actually decides to make this rumor into a reality.
For giggles…
What do you think of a Hocus Pocus sequel? Are you excited or do you think Disney should stop mining your childhood for money-making ideas?
