It was the Halloween movie to end all Halloween movies: starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as three witches hell-bent on “sucking the lives out of little children”, Hocus Pocus had everything. Catchy tunes? Check. Incredible costumes? Check. Underlying feminist message? Check. Talking cat? Check. Oddly fanciable talking cat?
Well, you get the picture.
For years, we’ve hoped and prayed for a sequel: after all, the Sanderson sisters found a way to return from the grave once before – why not a second time? And it would certainly be fun to see how they’d cope with all of the many, many changes that the world’s been through since they last popped up: when they were terrorising Max, Dani and Allison, the bewitching sisters were completely baffled by the concept of radios, loudspeakers and car headlights. Think how crazy things could be when you add smartphones, avocado toast and Instagram to the mix!
So, yes, we were overwhelmingly excited when we learned that there’s another Hocus Pocus film in the works. Ecstatic. Over the bloody moon, in fact.
Only then we learned that it’s not a sequel, it’s a remake. And none of the original cast are involved whatsoever.
That’s right: according to Deadline, the Disney Channel is developing an updated version of the film, but they’re stripping out almost every last bit of the original DNA.
Which means that, no, neither the cast nor director Kenny Ortega will be involved in Hocus Pocus’ second coming.
Naturally, Twitter ain’t happy:
To be fair, they have a point. SJP has always said that she’s “down” for a sequel – and our beloved Midler has said time and time again that she’s up for resurrecting Winifred Sanderson at least one more time.
“You have to go to send in your cards to the Walt Disney company,” she said. “The ball's in their court.
“I have canvassed the girls and they are willing to do it, but we have no say in it, so if you want a Hocus Pocus 2, ask the Walt Disney company.”
So, yeah, we guess the message to Disney is – leave Hocus Pocus alone, unless you’re bringing the world the Hocus Pocus 2 they’ve always dreamed of.
Dost thou comprehend?
Images: Rex Features
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