Sisters, a “Hocus Pocus” remake is happening — and it’s going to be a Disney Channel Original Movie
It may still feel like Summer but according to our calendars it’s officially fall and that means one thing: Sisters, Hocus Pocus season is upon us. But as we settle in to watch the Sanderson sisters terrorize a very ’90s Salem, Massachusetts, Disney Channel is also getting in on the Hocus Pocus action…with (*gasp*) a remake.
Yes, with heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that the Disney Channel is in the early stages of developing a “reimagining” of the beloved 1993 cult film, without the OG Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
The reimagining will likely feature new characters and a new story, but no word on whether Salem will be the home of the new witches, although if you’ve been to Salem, you know there’s *plenty* of room for more witch (and ghosts, of course) stories.
According to reports, Kenny Ortega, who directed the original Hocus Pocus, and has gone on to direct two very successful franchises at Disney Channel — High School Musical and The Descendants — is not involved in the remake. Earlier this summer, Ortega revealed to HelloGiggles that he was against a remake of the film, instead vying for a sequel with the original cast, sentiments Midler, Parker, and Najimy have all echoed over the past few years.
Scarlett Lacey (The Royals) will write the new story, while David Kirschner, who produced and co-wrote the story for the original film, will be back to executive produce the Disney Channel film. The original Hocus Pocus centered around the Sanderson sisters, three witches who were sentenced to death after killing a child in 17th century Salem, only are accidentally brought back from the dead in 1990s Salem by a teenage boy.
We’re not mad about the remake, just disappointed. Regardless, we’re very curious to learn what the new story and characters will be like. Meanwhile, you can find us marathoning the original Hocus Pocus for the next month (or so) and begging for a sequel.
