Bette Midler Weighs in on Hocus Pocus TV Sequel
From the Walt Disney World News and written by: Michele
Yesterday we announced that another Hocus Pocus movie was in the early stages of being planned for the Disney+ streaming service. Fans from everywhere were pretty excited. Now the main Sanderson Sister herself is weighing in on the subject. Oh yes, Bette Midler who played Winifred Sanderson! Here’s what she had to say courtesy of People Magazine.
Sorry Hocus Pocus fans, but don’t expect to see a Bette Midler cameo in the upcoming Disney Channel remake.
The actress expressed her doubts over the beloved Halloween family movie reboot, telling PEOPLE she expects the TV movie to be “cheap.”
“I know it’s cheap. It’s going to be cheap!” she told PEOPLE Monday at the New York Restoration Project’s Hulaween party, which Midler hosts.
And when it comes to Midler’s original character of lead witch Winifred Sanderson, the actress said it’ll be tough to recast the role.
“I’m not sure what they’re going to do with my character,” she said. “My character is very, very broad and I don’t know who they’re going to find to play that.”
The new movie – being written by Scarlett Lacey – is still in development, with original producer David Kirschner signed on.
Kenny Ortega, who directed the 1993 cult favorite, will not be involved with the new project – and neither will its original Sanderson sisters: Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker.
And while members of the original cast have previously expressed interest in taking part of the reboot, Midler officially squashed any hope of a surprise appearance.
When asked if she would return for the right dollar amount, she quickly replied: “No, no, no!”
Midler’s charity, New York Restoration Project (NYRP), works to make the city greener and more sustainable. The organization’s annual Hulaween gala combines Halloween with its environmentally-driven mission.
The Divine Miss M can currently be seen on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!.
Author: Michele
Michele Atwood is the Owner/Editor of The Main Street Mouse and it’s subsidiaries and author of the book “Moving to Main Street U.S.A.” Michele also contributes Disney news to the Joe Kelley Morning Show on 96.5 WDBO in Orlando. She and her family made the move from Michigan to the Orlando area to pursue their Disney dreams. Michele is a life long Disney fan, and has two sons who have followed suit, each going on their first Disney trip before their first birthday’s. Part of the goal Michele has for The Main Street Mouse is not only to keep members informed, but to create somewhat of a Disney Family by relating to others through personal experiences and opinions. Also, Michele is making it a priority to share stories of inspiration and hope to other Disney Fans in an effort to share the Magic and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others.