Hocus Pocus, a 1993 witch comedy Disney film, which has become an object of great internet nostalgia, is officially set to return.
According to Deadline, the Disney Channel is in the early stages of reimagining the cult film as a TV movie with original producer David Kirschner working as an executive producer. The Royals‘ Scarlett Lacey will write the script.
The original film starred high-profile performers Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the ‘Sanderson’ witch sisters, however, they are unlikely to return in the remake. The Hocus Pocus remake will also get a new director.
Original screenwriter Mick Garris rumoured to Forbes earlier this week that a possible sequel was in the works. “There have been rumors of a Hocus Pocus sequel for the last 10 years that will not die,” Garris said. “I have heard they are developing the script, I haven’t been involved in it but I think there will be a sequel. It might be for Disney Channel or Freeform or ABC. I think it will be for television but I hear that it is moving ahead.”
However, he incorrectly suggested the original cast would be in place. “I think they are. If they don’t do that I think it would be a big mistake because all three of them are still so incredibly potent and powerful and great performers and who else can recreate those characters?”
Fans of the original have expressed distaste online at the idea of a remake without the original cast.
“Oh, they’re remaking Hocus Pocus without the original cast? Cool.” pic.twitter.com/9k9r4LowTh
— Funny Or Die (@funnyordie) September 28, 2017
I WAS FINE WHEN YOU REMADE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. I WAS FINE WHEN YOU REMADE ALICE. BUT DON'T TOUCH HOCUS POCUS WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL CAST pic.twitter.com/bYWtdJD5Ae
— anthony amorim (@AnthonyAmorim) September 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/AustinCTweets/status/913457593141665795
good morning, found out they are apparently remaking hocus pocus so i am going back to bed until that project is cancelled
— Mags (@maggiecarucci) September 28, 2017
Disney Channel is apparently remaking Hocus Pocus???¿¿? DON’T FIX WHAT AINT BROKEN DISNEY!!
— Lexxie Beckmeyer (@lexxbeck) September 28, 2017
Hang on, they're doing a Hocus Pocus REMAKE not sequel? pic.twitter.com/ZYvSFyn7Br
— Liam (@liamo_dh) September 28, 2017
When you find out they're remaking Hocus Pocus pic.twitter.com/lOnsqRwEbc
— Jamie (@DoubleJ_Jonesy) September 28, 2017
There is no release date currently confirmed.