Almost 30 years later, in the Disney+ original film Hocus Pocus 2, directed by Anne Fletcher, the Sanderson sisters, witches Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) return. The 17th-century miscreants return to All Hallow’s Eve after being resurrected by a teenager’s lighting of the Black Flame Candle, leaving a wake of destruction in their pursuit of eternal life. How Much Did Bette Midler Make For Hocus Pocus 2?
Co-stars Midler and Najimy, joined by Fletcher, spoke at a press conference for the sequel, where they discussed how the opportunity to return to their roles was a dream come true, why the first film is being shown to new generations of viewers, and why the sisters’ outfits had to be updated.
How Much Did Bette Midler Make For Hocus Pocus 2?
BETTE MIDLER: Not till the time came. And then it hit me: Oh, we’re going to do this. This was like a fairytale come true. I started asking folks my age, “Don’t you think they would be interested in a sequel?” after learning it was a sensation. Time has passed since then. Approximately fifteen years have passed since this occurred. We’ve finally arrived.
What Was Your Mission For The Musical Numbers In This?
FLETCHER: The goal is to tell a good tale that does justice to the original film and the fans who love them while also updating the franchise for a new audience. The songs are incorporated into the narrative for dramatic purposes. After hearing “I Put a Spell on You” by Bette and Marc Shaiman, I didn’t think I had a chance. The music in that video was written specifically for that video.
They wrote both the piece and the words. So, I didn’t even bother trying to compete with it. We kept our attention firmly fixed on our efforts to forward the plot. There were so many great tunes to pick from, and that’s what we went with. Besides, who doesn’t want to hear Bette Midler perform?
NAJIMY: I’ve worked with Anne on four or five projects, and she’s a big reason we finished this one. She is simply one of the best directors and artists in the history of the globe. My feelings for her are entirely out of control.
What Do People Expect From Bette And Kathy As They Return After Almost 30 Years?
MIDLER: We had a long discussion on the importance of sisterhood, of being able to rely on each other, of being loyal to one another, and so on. A lot is going on around the globe, and we just didn’t know about it until the last 25–30 years. The gender gap has narrowed, yet women still face significant obstacles. Oddly enough, I find all three of these characters to be encouraging to women.
Firstly, they are incredibly humorous, a trait typically associated with males and not females. They experience a broad spectrum of feelings but remain fiercely committed to one another. In an unusual manner, their connection is rock solid. A sense of sisterhood and camaraderie is crucial whenever women are gathered. The film strengthens that argument.
NAJIMY: And we are confident in our plans and our abilities. Our mentality is, “This is what needs to be accomplished. We’ll eat children if we have to, but we’ll get the job done. Unlike what you may expect, I don’t think we waste much time second-guessing our objective.
There’s absolutely no room for doubt, MIDLER. The two of us can make quick and firm decisions. We’re a firm bunch, which proves that women can lead effectively. Disney+ subscribers may now see the sequel to “Hocus Pocus.” Please share this with your friends if you find it interesting. Visit Newswatchlist.com for more celebrity updates and breaking news.