talking cat named Binx (Jason Marsden) as they attempt to defeat the trio of witches before they devour the souls of all the children of Salem, Massachusetts.
Last year, Disney announced that Hocus Pocus 2 was officially in the works. Slated to debut on Disney+ in the Fall of 2022, Hocus Pocus 2 will feature the return of Midler, Parker, and Najimy as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. Directed by Anne Fletcher, the sequel began filming in November 2021 in Rhode Island. Throughout filming, numerous behind-the-scenes photos and various sneak peeks have emerged online. These include the Sanderson sisters performing a musical number, the infamous trio back in their old cottage, and a Binx Easter egg. Recently, Birch revealed she was asked to return as Dani in Hocus Pocus 2 but declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Now, Birch opens up about an unexpected way she could return to Hocus Pocus. Speaking with ComicBook, Birch reveals she is interested in returning to the Hocus Pocus franchise as Winifred Sanderson. Birch confirmed she will not appear in Hocus Pocus 2, but said everyone tried their best to make a Dani return happen. Read Birch’s comment on playing Winnie in Hocus Pocus below:
Everybody tried so hard. Everybody tried so hard to make that happen and it just didn't, but everybody tried so hard. That was everybody's intention. But you know what? At the end of the day, just between you and I, I'd probably rather play Winifred in the future. I'd probably rather play Winnie.
Indeed, Hocus Pocus fans were disappointed to learn that Birch was unable to reprise her role as Dani in Hocus Pocus 2. However, Birch playing Winnie Sanderson in a Hocus Pocus prequel film would be a great way to honor the franchise. At this time, it remains to be seen if Katz and Shaw will make an appearance in the sequel film. Hocus Pocus 2 has a fresh batch of characters to reignite the Black Flame. New additions to the cast include Whitney Peak (Becca), Lila Buckingham (Cassie), and Belissa Escobedo (Izzy), as three young women in present-day Salem who encounter the Sanderson sisters.
As for Birch, Katz, and Shaw, even if the actors don’t reprise their roles as Dani, Max, and Allison, they remain staples in the Hocus Pocus legacy. With Birch asked to appear as a grown-up Dani, there's a good chance Hocus Pocus 2 will at least mention the original characters. Fans will just have to wait and see if any of the original cast makes a surprise cameo appearance. For now, Hocus Pocus 2 is one of the most anticipated titles coming to Disney+ in 2022.
Source: ComicBook
