Image Credit: Disney
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Hocus Pocus Billy Butcherson
Photo via Walt Disney Pictures

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ star spent a long time thinking the sequel would never happen

It seemed like... just a bunch of hocus pocus.

From Bette Midler’s iconic rendition of “I Put A Spell On You” to Sarah Jessica Parker’s sinister laughter, the original Hocus Pocus has become a bonafide Halloween staple that has resonated with movie-lovers ever since its cinematic debut back in the ‘90s. And with the announcement of the follow-up sequel Hocus Pocus 2 keeping devoted fans intrigued to see which epochal characters make their long-awaited return, one beloved character in particular is more than ready to come face-to-face with the Sanderson sisters once again.

Recommended Videos

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO “THEY SAID WHAT!?” OUR NEWSLETTER ON THE DUMBEST HEADLINES IN POLITICS THIS WEEK

While chatting with Screen Rant, star Doug Jones, who is set to reprise his role as fan-favorite Billy Butcherson in the sequel, discussed the process of creating the follow-up feature. According to Jones, it was the pining from fans for years along with countless depictions of the fantasy film through fan art and fan-made posters that led to the sequel happening at last — and much to the delight of Halloween worshippers around the world.

The fans have been rumbling about it forever. But I was at the 20-year anniversary screening of Hocus Pocus nine years ago at the Disney lot. One of our producers, David Kirschner, was there talking with my makeup artist, Tony Gardner, and they were conversing about the sequel that they were pitching to the studio. That’s when I realized, “Oh, it might actually happen,” and then here we are nine years later, finally. So in the meantime, there’s been a lot of rumors and more fan art with like, “Here’s the poster,” and it’s like, “Wait, someone has really good PhotoShop skills, but that’s not happening yet.” [Laughs].

Jones continued:

So finally, to have a call from Ralph Winter, our producer that was our feet-on-the-ground producer from the first movie, him him call me back and say, “Hey, we are back and they want you back, and here’s the deal.” I anticipated and hoped, but never thought like, you never expect like that I’m gonna get to reprise the role that I loved playing 29 years later, it was a lovely surprise and very nostalgic.

Through scheduling conflicts and delayed progress, the sequel is finally flying into the homes of eagle–eyed Halloween enthusiasts that have been waiting decades for a continuation. And, seeing as Jones revealed in a recent interview that his character has much more to accomplish in the sequel, folks can undoubtedly expect a wild adventure that reintroduces us to the memorable characters that helped to shape our childhood experiences with Halloween, magic, and of course — witches.

Hang onto your broomsticks when Hocus Pocus 2 arrives on Disney Plus on Sept. 30.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Taylor Mansfield
Taylor Mansfield
Fascinated by the art of journalism, Taylor Mansfield has been writing for over 10 years. In the present day, she lends her expertise as a Staff Writer / Editor for WGTC, tackling a broad range of topics such as movies, television, celebrity news, and of course… *anything* horror! Because wherever there is horror — Taylor isn't far behind. She has previously contributed to entertainment sites such as GamersDecide, MovieWeb, and The Nerd Stash.