Fans of Disney's "Hocus Pocus" have been clamoring for a sequel for years, so imagine their disappointment after learning the Mouse House is working on a remake instead ... without the original cast.
News dropped Thursday morning that "The Royals" writer Scarlett Lacey will work on the script for the film, with OG producer David Kirschner executive producing. The project will have a totally new cast and original director Kenny Ortega will be involved, according to Deadline.
The 1993 cult classic centered around the Sanderson Sisters, three witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who return from the grave on Halloween night to terrorize three young adults in Salem, Massachusetts.
The "Hocus Pocus" Kids Reunited 22 Years Later -- on Halloween!
View StoryThe main trio previously said they'd all return for a sequel. "I have canvassed the girls and they are willing to do it, but we have no say in it, so if you want a HOCUS POCUS 2, ask the Walt Disney company," Midler said in a 2014 Reddit AMA.
"I have read Bette's quote and I agree. The outpouring of love from Hocus-ites has been astounding," Najimy added at the time. "The creativity of their Sanderson sisters costumes, posters, artwork, T-shirts, statues, TV stills, photos, compliments and line quotes have blown up social media and I want them to know.. We see and appreciate it all. When a film is being shot, you never quite know the impact.. If it'll be a hit or a miss, and..with this one...we hear y'all loud and clear! A sequel is totally in The Disney company's hands-- And it will be exciting to see what transpires!"
Fans shared their anger towards the remake on social media -- see the most savage reactions below:
good morning, found out they are apparently remaking hocus pocus so i am going back to bed until that project is cancelled
@maggiecarucci
Hang on, they're doing a Hocus Pocus REMAKE not sequel? pic.twitter.com/ZYvSFyn7Br
@liamo_dh
I wish I had 280 characters (a thing that nobody asked for) to rage about the remake of Hocus Pocus (a thing that nobody asked for).
@Actor_Friend
"We can remake perfectly good movies, but we can't redo the election?" - @LyndsayMBurke talking about the remake of hocus pocus
@taniahomen
Hocus Pocus doesn't need a remake. It's perfect and iconic the way it is (and is actually one of my favourite movies so NO)
@Manasurge
When you find out they're remaking Hocus Pocus pic.twitter.com/lOnsqRwEbc
@DoubleJ_Jonesy
Apparently there is a remake of Hocus Pocus being made... Can you like stop?
@KatieNicoleF
This is homophobic. https://t.co/rfY2iiFbXE
@calvinstowell
Disney Channel is apparently remaking Hocus Pocus???¿¿? DON'T FIX WHAT AINT BROKEN DISNEY!!
@lexxbeck
I feel like this is a bad dream. Nope still their. Ugh what utter morons u are disney. I bet their going to make it scary hocus pocus. Also no one can best @BetteMidler and i vote @idinamenzel or esle bette https://t.co/Uvyfte58Zq
@parawolf89
@DisneyChannel WE DONT WANT A HOCUS POCUS REMAKE WE WANT A SEQUEL WITH THE ORIGINAL CAST
@kayla_gallion
Every year I get my hopes up for a hocus pocus sequel and every year they are dashed. #HocusPocus pic.twitter.com/exQcnMdl9N
@hannaheileend
I swear to god if any studio remakes Hocus Pocus I will be LIVID. Don't remake a classic OKAYYYYYY👏🏼👏🏼
@IvettePatricio
Listen, unless the Hocus Pocus remake is a retelling set in New Orleans with an all-black cast, I don't want it
@lesmisarahbles
The people: "we want a Hocus Pocus sequel"
@alexhanson64
Hollywood: "ok we will remake Hocus Pocus"
The people: pic.twitter.com/MePLGy5d22
Disney remaking Hocus Pocus is absurd. Nobody can touch the OG Sanderson Sisters....okay. pic.twitter.com/yVQHU3eyum
@jennafahhhhsays
THEY CANT RUIN HOCUS POCUS. LEAVE IT TF ALONE.
@cihaim
"Hocus Pocus remake" pic.twitter.com/YEPRWsuWYA
@erspamer_matt
Why remake something that was already amazing?! #HocusPocus pic.twitter.com/3Pw7bW7IVt
@Anni_Wood
There are remaking #HocusPocus and I am none too thrilled about it. Do a sequel with the original cast involved, @Disney. #ThursdayThoughts
@JennaRaetor
Disney is remaking 'Hocus Pocus'....today is officially canceled... pic.twitter.com/c7uwres78T
@OvercastKid04
Dear @Disney:
@susdyfire
We wanted a sequel of the beloved, "Hocus Pocus".
Not a remake.
Please cancel this immediately.
Sincerely, Everyone. pic.twitter.com/rnUIBqs6Rd
You better not ruin one of the best things of my childhood or so help me! #HocusPocus https://t.co/pwYm1aktqP
@thisisFoo
"We want a Hocus Pocus remake" said NOBODY EVER! SEQUEL is WHAT EVERYONE WANTED! Geez people YOU HAD ONE JOB! #CANCELIT #HocusPocus
@MandoDaFreak
Hocus Pocus remake? Buy why? pic.twitter.com/S9EF1kX2Do
@iAgiel
Dear @DisneyChannel, please don't destroy one of our favorite classics with the remake. Please. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #HocusPocus pic.twitter.com/NpO7bMR9fW
@broadway_buzz
@BetteMidler are you aware of this #HocusPocus remake nonsense? Be a hero, Bette. Put a stop to it.
@peltzerjm
When you find out the Hocus Pocus sequel the prophecy foretold shall not come to pass, and there will be a remake without the original cast. pic.twitter.com/PnMbR7o6DP
@MsDanaMele
When you find out the Hocus Pocus sequel the prophecy foretold shall not come to pass, and there will be a remake without the original cast. pic.twitter.com/PnMbR7o6DP
@MsDanaMele
I hope everyone is having a beautiful fall day, except for the dotard who decided to do a remake of #HocusPocus. pic.twitter.com/rh7T1Z1cg3
@MissusMelnee