'Hocus Pocus' Remake Release Date, Cast News: Bette Middler Says Disney Special 'Will Be Cheap'
Disney earlier announced it is bringing back "Hocus Pocus." One actress, however, expressed doubts that the planned TV special will give justice to the 1993 comedy horror film that featured Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
Midler did not mince words when asked if she would consider appearing in the "Hocus Pocus" remake. She made it clear that she is not happy with Disney's plans.
"I know it's cheap. It's going to be cheap," the Divine Miss M and Tony awardee said. "My character is very, very broad and I don't know who they're going to find to play that."
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Other cast members said they are open to a cameo in the "Hocus Pocus" remake. Middler, however, gave a flat out "No" about supporting the TV special.
Disney hired Scarlett Lacey ("The Royals") to write the remake's script while David Kirschner, who produced the movie, will executive produce the TV special. The studio has yet to pick a new director but Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical"), who helmed the original movie, also expressed skepticism about the remake.
Ortega, who will not be part of the new project, believes that a sequel or reunion movie would work better than a remake with a new cast. It would be a major coup to bring the old stars back together as it will create "new magic."
"They're all still vital and in their prime and capable of doing so much," Ortega stated. "It would be great to see Bette and Kathy and Sarah come back together to do another movie and I think they would like to."
"Hocus Pocus" wasn't exactly a masterpiece for critics when it first came out but the movie became a cult favorite and a Halloween staple on television. Middler, Parker, and Najimy played sisters and witches from the 1600s who were resurrected in the 1990s. They tried adjusting to modern living and grew appalled when they found out Halloween became a fun holiday for kids.
Disney did not say when the remake will air but a potential Halloween 2018 premiere should fit the schedule.
