Disney Channel is developing a new “Hocus Pocus” sans original stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Sept. 28 (UPI) — Fan favorite Halloween film Hocus Pocus will get a TV remake at the Disney Channel.
A Disney Channel rep confirmed Thursday to E! News that the network is developing a reimagining of the 1993 comedy horror movie.
The Royals writer Scarlett Lacey will pen the script, with original producer David Kirschner as executive producer. Kenny Ortega, who directed the original film, will not be involved with the remake.
Deadline reported the movie will feature a new cast. The original starred Omri Katz, Thora Birch and Vinessa Shaw as young Salem, Mass., residents who accidentally summon a trio of witches ( Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker).
Midler, who played Winnie Sanderson in Hocus Pocus, had shot down hopes for a sequel in a Facebook Q&A in November 2015.
“After all these years and all the fan demand, I do believe I can stand and firmly say an unequivocal no,” she said.
Shaw, who portrayed Allison, confirmed she’s expecting her first child with a Hocus Pocus -themed post in August. The actress reflected on the film with ABC News in 2015, confessing she had no idea “how popular” the movie would remain today.
