The witches are back, and they’re more frightening than ever.
It’s finally official. The release date for Hocus Pocus 2 has been announced, and you’ll be able to get your hands on this Halloween classic come September 30 on Disney+.
The stars from filmmaker Kenny Ortega’s 1993 original Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy – the evil Sanderson sisters of Salem – have made their reprisal for the sequel, which viewers got a preview at Disney’s presentation.
The clip follows two young girls igniting the Black Flame Candle, which requests the presence of the central witches as Midler squeals, “Lock up your children! Yes, Salem, we’re back!”
The footage afterward features a musical performance of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back” cover while Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) and an unidentified character portrayed by Sam Richardson also appear. The mayor of Salem (Tony Hale) can be seen in this rough-cut footage, too.
It has been confirmed that Thora Birch will not be making a return as Dani Dennison from the original installment.
News has circulated that three fabulous drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race will appear in the sequel. The episode will focus on the Sanderson sisters who attend the drag show, where they see various colorful performances by drag versions of Winifred (Ginger Minj), Mary (Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté), and Sarah (Kahmora Hall).
Rumors are going around that three famous drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race will be appearing on screen portraying drag versions of characters. The Sanderson sisters attend a show, where they see Ginger Minj playing Winifred, Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté taking up Mary and Kahmora Hall portraying Sarah at another one of these performances.
Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham will also play a part in the movie, which allegedly follows three teens – portrayed by Gossip Girl’s Whitney Peak, Dirt’s Lilia Buckingham, and American Horror Stories’ Belissa Escobedo – and their efforts to put an end to the Sanderson sisters’ plot for revenge after their resurrection 29 years following the events of the original film.
“I am beyond thrilled to be involved in the sequel to a film that is as beloved as Hocus Pocus,” said sequel filmmaker Anne Fletcher in a statement last year regarding the forthcoming movie.
“Fans around the world have embraced these characters and have made this film a Halloween tradition whose popularity continues to grow, and how lucky am I to be back at Disney with these three extraordinarily talented ladies in the iconic roles they created, as well as our fabulous new additions to the cast?”
Hocus Pocus 2 airs September 30 on Disney+.
The 1993 Hocus Pocus is a fantasy comedy horror movie written by Neil Cuthbert and Mick Garris. It follows the three witches resurrected by a virgin teenage boy on Halloween night.
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