“Hocus Pocus 2”
Halloween fun enters the second round
Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus 2.
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In 1993, the Sanderson sisters terrified the citizens of Salem in “Hocus Pocus.” Almost thirty years later they return…
The Sanderson sisters are back! And this time they show no mercy to Salem…
Almost 30 years ago, Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” with Bette Midler (76), Sarah Jessica Parker (57) and Kathy Najimy (65) appeared in the cinemas. While the film was only moderately successful at the box office at the time, over the years it has developed into a real Halloween cult with a large fan base. Amazing that the loyal followers had to wait until 2022 for a sequel to the horror comedy.
“Hocus Pocus 2” has been available on Disney+ since September 30th. Anne Fletcher (56), known for “Self is the Bride” and “27 Dresses”, followed in the director’s footsteps of Kenny Ortega (72, “High School Musical”) for the second part. Newcomers to the cast include up-and-coming actresses Whitney Peak (19), Lilia Buckingham (19) and Belissa Escobedo (24).
Bette Midler: ‘I’ve been like Winifred for the last thirty years’
But fans of the first hour need not be afraid. Midler, Parker and Najimy, of course, return as Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson. The actresses had no trouble getting back into their roles after such a long time. “We didn’t really have to make an effort for it. It was like an old friend who came back. All the peculiarities came back,” emphasizes Mary actress Najimy in an interview with the news agency spot on news. “I’ve been like Winifred for the last thirty years,” adds Midler, laughing.
And indeed, even as a viewer, you hardly notice any difference to the original. The three witches are just as weird, chaotic, loud and above all hilarious. Accidentally summoned from the afterlife by friends Becca (Peak) and Izzy (Escobedo), the Sanderson sisters immediately exude their old world charm. With a musical number they appear on the screen for the first time and quickly captivate the viewer.
“The musical scenes were intense”
Midler, Parker and Najimy look laid-back as they dance and sing, but filming them wasn’t easy. “The musical scenes were intense,” Midler and Najimy agree. They had the most fun filming in a drugstore…
The Sanderson sisters have always been on the trail of children and teenagers, draining their life force. Becca and Izzy advise the ladies to use beauty products instead. It was difficult for them to imagine that the trio would then taste creams, facial spray and sheet masks.
And that’s exactly what makes “Hocus Pocus 2” so charming. The witches originally date back to the 17th century. They first returned to the living in the ’90s. Arrived in 2022, they are obviously completely overwhelmed by the technology, the lifestyle and all the inventions that did not exist in 1693 or 1993.
“Hocus Pocus 2” is a must for every Halloween fan. Viewers who grew up with the first installment will immediately feel a warm feeling when the sisters return. As expected, Midler, Parker and Najimy shine in their roles and make the film a fitting sequel. The highlight: viewers can look forward to the return of an absolute fan favorite…