“Hocus Pocus 2,” the official sequel, has added a bevy of new stars! Original coven members Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are already set to reprise their roles as the Sanderson sisters.
Disney has announced that they’ll be joined by recently minted “Ted Lasso” Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham. Two “Veep” alumni are also joining- Tony Hale and Sam Richardson are also included in the announcement. Hollywood really is a small town as Richardson just wrapped up a guest spot in Season 2 of “Ted Lasso.”
Other additions included Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, Belissa Escobedo, Juju Brener, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Henderson, and Nina Kitchen. Also returning will be Doug Jones who first appeared as Billy Butcherson in the original. It wasn’t made explicitly clear if he’ll be reprising that role or not. However given the return of Midler we can’t imagine why the other half of the ill fated duo wouldn’t be back.
We also got a reveal of the “Hocus Pocus 2” logo in the same announcement.
New Blood
Anne Fletcher takes over the directing reins from Adam Shankman, who was originally announced as directing the sequel. Fletcher is known for directing “27 Dresses” “The Proposal” and the early 2000s classic, “Step Up.”
While there are limited details on the plot available at present, it likely won’t stray far from the template of the first. As a reminder the first film came out as a summer flick. Released on July 16th 1993, the film did not have a particularly healthy initial box office run. Other films from that summer included “Jurassic Park” and “Free Willy.”
It has however gone on to achieve cult-like status over the ensuing 28 years. Clearly so much so that it finally is getting a sequel with the aforementioned bevy of stars.
The “Hocus Pocus 2” is set to premiere during Spooky Season 2022 on Disney+.
