Why The World Never Got To See Hocus Pocus 2
Published -
- January 4, 2019
- 2:00 pm
Hocus Pocus is arguably one of the greatest Halloween classics of all time, and the world is still dying to see a sequel.
However, after twenty-five years, it doesn’t seem likely Hocus Pocus 2 will ever materialize. Though popular with kids and adults alike, Disney has been mum on whether or not a sequel is in the works. With a book sequel that dropped in July 2018 and a party dedicated to all things Hocus Pocus having gone down in Hollywood that October, fans have proven over and over that Hocus Pocus 2 is something they’d love to see. Despite that, fans are still wondering why they’ll never get to see a Hocus Pocus sequel.
All three Sanderson sisters; Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy; have revealed they would be totally down to do a sequel. However, they’ve also all said that the decision is in the Mouse’s hands, and nobody has come a’knockin’. At the time of Hocus Pocus’s release, Halloween movies, especially those geared towards families, were almost nonexistent. In this day and age, however, the market is nearly oversaturated with movies about all things spooky, and a possible sequel might not do as well as one would hope. Not only that, anything with a diehard fan base is going to want to get their sequel perfect, and perhaps Disney is worried they won’t be able to make lightning strike twice. Whatever the reason, we unfortunately won’t be seeing Hocus Pocus 2 any time soon.
In Disney’s hands | 0:17
Oversaturated market | 1:03
Cult sequels fail | 1:53
Getting it right | 2:27
Second life | 3:16
Who was originally slated to write the script for Hocus Pocus 2, and what was their plan for the film?
Over the years, there has been a lot of talk surrounding the release of Hocus Pocus 2, but unfortunately, the world has yet to see a sequel to the beloved 1993 Halloween-themed film. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news about the continuation of the story for decades, but it seems that production on the film keeps getting pushed back. So, what’s the reason behind the delay? Why has the world never got to see Hocus Pocus 2?
First, let’s explore the history of the original film. Hocus Pocus was directed by Kenny Ortega and starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. While the film wasn’t a box office smash upon its initial release, it gradually gained a cult following over the years, especially during the Halloween season.
In the years that followed, there were whispers of a possible sequel, but nothing materialized. Then, in 2014, it was announced that a sequel was finally in the works. Disney had hired screenwriter Jen D’Angelo to pen the script, and the intention was to bring back the original cast in some capacity.
However, things quickly started to fall apart. Bette Midler, who played the role of Winnie Sanderson in the original, expressed her disinterest in returning for a sequel during an interview with People magazine. “It’s going to be cheap!” she exclaimed. “I’m not interested in doing something for a paycheck.”
Additionally, it was reported that Disney was planning to release the sequel as a made-for-TV movie on their streaming service, Disney+. This decision caused even more backlash from fans and the film’s original cast. Sarah Jessica Parker even went as far as to say that the idea of releasing the sequel on TV was “ghastly” during an interview with Andy Cohen.
Finally, in 2020, it was announced that plans for the sequel had been scrapped altogether. A Disney spokesperson confirmed that there were no current plans for another Hocus Pocus film, putting an end to several years of speculation and anticipation.
So, why did Hocus Pocus 2 never come to fruition? It seems that there were a variety of factors at play. From disagreements among the cast to the studio’s decision to release the film on TV, it appears that the project was simply not meant to be.
While it’s certainly disappointing for fans, it’s important to remember that not every film needs a sequel. Hocus Pocus will always hold a special place in the hearts of viewers, and its legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. And who knows? Maybe one day, a sequel will finally come to fruition. Until then, we can always revisit the Sanderson sisters’ misadventures every Halloween season.
