‘Hocus Pocus’ Star Under Fire After Comments

In just a matter of months, the Sanderson Sisters will return in an all-new full-length feature film.

However, it seems that one Hocus Pocus star is under fire for recent comments made on Twitter.

Bette Midler, who plays Winnie (Winifred Sanderson) in the beloved cult-classic, recently shared thoughts on the recent baby formula shortage when MSNBC Anchor Stephanie Ruhle shared some facts about the control of the production by just three American companies.

Middler said:

Of course, the tweet from the Sanderson sister received thousands of replies– mostly in backlash– over the comments from users who called her comments “inappropriate” and “disappointing.”

@ClaraJeffery said:

@bekah_rivera called the comments insensitive.

Surely you don’t think every single woman can produce on demand, right? That is absolutely ridiculous & so insensitive to women who cannot.

Disney previously announced that the beloved Hocus Pocus (1993) would be getting a sequel with Bette Midler (Winnie), Kathy Najimy (Mary), and Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah) all returning to reprise their roles as the Sanderson Sisters, the witches of Salem.

It’s been nearly two years since the original announcement from Disney that the movie would include not just a star-studded cast, but also a top-notch production team with scripts from Jen D’Angelo (Workaholics) and producers Lynn Harris (King Richard), executive producer Adam Shankman (Disney’s Disenchanted), and crew from the first installment, Ralph Winter (Hocus Pocus), and David Kirschner (Hocus Pocus), serving as executive producer.

More Information for Hocus Pocus 2

The new film will focus around a witch named Becca. She accidentally summons back the Sanderson Sisters on Halloween after finding a dark flame candle at the local magic shop- also the Sanderson Sisters’ former home. The character of Becca is joined by two of her classmates, Izzy and Cassie, an “oddball” and a popular girl who also happens to be Becca’s bully.

Production won’t be starting until October 2021 meaning we will have to wait a while before seeing the film in theatres.

All three Sanderson sisters Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, respectively will be returning to the film.

“Hocus Pocus 2,” Coming to Disney+ in Fall 2022

Disney announced via press release that Hocus Pocus 2 will star the original three witches: Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson.

The return of the Sanderson Sisters was already known, but the scale of their role was uncertain. Disney has confirmed the three will play starring roles in the new film, alongside three yet-to-be-announced younger stars, who “accidentally bring the Sanderson Sisters back to modern-day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on the world.”

The film was previously thought to be directed by Adam Shankman. However, due to scheduling conflicts with Disenchanted, Shankman has stepped into the Executive Producer role, and the directorship has gone to Anne Fletcher (The Proposal27 Dresses).

“As heartbroken as I am that I won’t be able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jessica, and Kathy in what is sure to be nothing short of a major event for Disney+ due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more pleased to be handing over the reins to Anne, who has brought so much laughter and joy into people’s lives with her previous work,” Shankman said.