You could say this about every remake, reboot, and nostalgia-driven television program being made today, but I’d really like to be clear: Hocus Pocus does not need to be messed with. Please leave it alone.
Alas, my cries are unanswered once again: Deadline reports that the demons that live in this world dressed in human form are developing a “reimagining” of Hocus Pocus, a movie that is essentially perfect and deserves no further consideration. Check out the details:
Disney Channel is in early stages of development on a Hocus Pocus TV movie, a reimagining of the 1993 cult classic Walt Disney feature, which starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy … The new take is being written by Scarlett Lacey (The Royals), with David Kirschner, producer on the original movie, on board to executive produce.
The 1993 film was written by Neil Cuthbert and Mick Garris, based on a story by Garris and Kirschner, and directed by Kenny Ortega. Garris hinted at a possible Hocus Pocus TV project in a recent interview.
The new Hocus Pocus iteration will have a new cast and a new director. Ortega, who has directed Disney Channel’s two biggest TV movie franchises, High School Musical and Descendants, is not involved.
The film was described as a “new iteration” of Hocus Pocus, not a sequel or similar initiative. Entertainment Weekly touched on elements of the project that might not sit well with fans of the original — namely, an absence of the first film’s stars (whose star power might command a higher price tag):
Speaking to Forbes about Hocus Pocus, writer Mick Garris (who isn’t involved in the remake) said he heard the television remake was moving forward and speculated that the original cast could factor somehow. “If they don’t do that I think it would be a big mistake because all three of them are still so incredibly potent and powerful and great performers and who else can recreate those characters?” Garris said.
It’s not that messing with the original would be an affront to its place in cult classic history—we just don’t need another Hocus Pocus. (Especially if it’s not going to be properly done with the original cast) Hell, I’d be a little bit more accepting if it wasdone as a big screen movie with an equally big and updated cast, but with Disney Channel, that certainly won’t be the case. It just seems unneccessary. It was great the first time. It is fine the second time. It’s a nice thing to watch with the wind whistling at your windows. Just show the children the old version and leave it at that. Are you guys here for this Disney Channel Hocus Pocus remake?
