The black candle flame is once again lit and the witches have returned. The Sanderson Sisters, Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy), who have been defeated by Binx Thackery, Emily Allison, and Max, make their debut in the U.S. On the biggest streaming service, Disney+, exclusively on September 30th. Hocus Pocus, the movie, was produced by David Kirschner and Ralph Winter, and directed by Adam Shankman and Anne Fletcher. In addition to reuniting the benevolent zombie, Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones), with the three Sanderson sisters, the movie introduces new characters, Gilbert and Cassie, played by Lilia Buckingham and Belissa Escobedo (Whitney Becca), to audiences. Directed by Anne Fletcher, with a fantastic script from Jen D’Angelo.

Year after year, it returns where it’s somewhat everlasting and I believe it is generational, concurred Director Anne Fletcher. “There was something in [the initial] film, I believe, where the [initial] generation presents it to their children, who presents it to their children, who presents it to their children. So it becomes a component of the history of the family,” expressed Actor Kathy Najimy, who portrays middle sister Mary Sanderson. Naturally, there couldn’t be a sequel if the original film hadn’t endured the trial of time.

Who doesn’t want to see Bette Midler singing? We had so many fun song options to choose from and we really stayed focused on trying to stay more towards the story. I can’t compete with that, so I didn’t even try. I didn’t feel like I could compete with the lyrics and arrangement that Marc Shaiman and Bette did with “Put a Spell on You.” When she said she wanted to do something completely her own, she said it was an integral part of the original charm — when it came to the music. Well, I’m sure making sure to honor these characters and bring them into a new generation of fans is the general mission of the first movie and honoring the story. So, in moving on to the sequel, director Anne Fletcher sought to carry on the story of the Sanderson sisters.

“Here we are,” stated Midler. “Something along those lines, 15 years ago, this occurred. It’s like a sequel, wouldn’t you say they would be interested?” People began inquiring after Midler recognized the original film’s immense success, but she didn’t want to admit she was stirring up excitement. “This reunion was a long time coming for Midler,” she remarked. “We’re really going to do this, oh, I didn’t realize it until that day finally arrived,” she added. It was truly happening, Midler couldn’t fathom it. “Midler couldn’t believe that all this time, after these characters, the actors would have such a dream-like opportunity to revisit them,” she mentioned. “Speaking of Bette Midler.”

It was somewhat enchanting, but I am uncertain of how that occurred. He promptly returned, complete with his voice. Only two minutes have elapsed in the past 29 years, oh my goodness, as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I thought, Billy has returned. Emotionally, Jones was able to easily reconnect with the character. I do not recall it being this exhausting before, I was like, my first scene in the film involved clumsily ascending a staircase and entering a doorway. There is a significant contrast, he remarked, as I was 61 when I portrayed him for the second time, whereas I was 32 during my initial portrayal. However, embodying the role physically felt different this time around. I had the opportunity to conceal myself behind a layer of rubber… I am unsure how you both manage to look so good, he jokingly commented to Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy. “Prosthetic pieces are prepared in advance, so putting them on me is the final step,” he clarified. For actor Doug Jones, who portrays the beloved zombie character Billy Butcherson, this entailed spending two hours each day in hair and makeup. When it came to revisiting their characters, they had to consider both the physical and psychological aspects.

Women possess the ability to make firm decisions, which also demonstrates our strong determination as a collective,” Midler concurred. “We don’t just contemplate and say, ‘This is what we need to accomplish.’ We will achieve it, even if it means devouring children. Whatever our mission may be, there is minimal doubt or hesitation, which I believe is not commonly observed.” Kathy Najimy, portraying the character Mary Sanderson, added, “Furthermore, our ideas and actions are characterized by a lack of hesitation.” In any situation where women gather, the importance of friendship and sisterhood cannot be overstated.” Their bond is exceptionally robust. Although their relationships may be intricate, they remain fiercely loyal to each other. Likewise, they remain fiercely loyal to each other, despite the complexities of their relationships. “To begin with, they possess a great sense of humor, a trait that is often denied to women. “While there have been certain advancements for women, they have not occurred at a satisfactory pace. I believe these three characters, in a peculiar and remarkable manner, serve as positive role models for women,” she explained. This realization made her appreciate the distinctiveness and significance of these characters, not only as women but specifically as women from the 1600s. Midler shared, “We extensively discussed relying on one another, depending on one another, and maintaining loyalty towards each other.” In their preparations to resume their roles, the three actors delved into the significance of sisterhood, particularly within the context of these iconic sisters. As for the Sanderson Sisters, not only were the individual sisters brought back to life, but so was their intricate, dynamic, and powerful relationship.

Shared Fletcher explained that the symbols on the witches’ outfits, particularly Bette’s, hold significance. These symbols originated from a 17th-century version of witchcraft that was closely connected to nature, the sea, and the celestial bodies. This interconnectedness is reflected in Winifred’s cloak and Mary’s rings. Harris, Lynn, and I had discussions with Sal [vador Pérez Jr., Costume designer] about preserving the authenticity of the witches’ attire while incorporating new materials. This opened up an opportunity to introduce some variation, but ultimately, we had to start from scratch because the original costumes were in poor condition and housed in a museum in Seattle, Washington. Unfortunately, over time, some of the original fabric had deteriorated. Reuniting the Sanderson Sisters with their iconic looks proved to be a slightly more complex task. Fletcher also mentioned that the three girls in Hocus Pocus 2 have their own symbols, as well as a colored stone corresponding to each witch in their matching necklaces. The costumes of the new characters in Hocus Pocus 2, Becca, Izzy, and Cassie, also carry significant meaning.

On the top of these relatable issues, comes the return of the Sanderson sisters. Every teen knows what it’s like to figure things out with their first girlfriend or boyfriend and go through a rough patch with their friends, just like this friendship. We love each other and have a deep understanding of the very real emotions that teenagers go through. Lilia Buckingham, who plays Cassie in their shared characters, described Kathy Najimy as a Mary-like sort of director. And Fletcher Anne, the director, knows exactly what she’s doing. “Kathy, that’s right?” Belissa Escobedo spoke about her admiration for Izzy, “I admire her loyalty, she would go against three evil witches for these girls, no questions asked.” When the time comes, she makes sure that her entire focus is on her sisters behind her. And Becca, who plays Whitney Peak, said, “I think there’s an interesting parallel between the older witches and the newbies, that’s why their costumes reflect connections to the Sanderson sisters.” Speaking of the newbies, there’s a core group of friends that has no matter what happens, they always put aside their differences and eventually reunite.

The entire experience was really great. I made the best friends along the way and learned so much. Working with legends was a dream come true. The best part was moving into college after two weeks. It was supposed to be a huge life change, like finally falling to my knees in disbelief. But it wasn’t a literal dramatic fall, just a continued scream of excitement on Zoom. Buckingham said, “Done.” Her makeup and hair were on point, and I noticed that Fletcher had a special connection with Peak. Then the screaming started, and Harris and Fletcher asked how loud we would scream if we found out we were witches. You’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream, you’re like a scream,

Make sure to follow @DisneyPlus on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for additional Disney+ news and updates. You can also stream Hocus Pocus 2 exclusively on Disney+ to stay updated with the Sanderson Sisters, as well as Becca, Izzy, and Cassie.