A new behind-the-scenes video from Disney's Hocus Pocus 2 revealed how production filmed a pivotal outdoor flying stunt with Winifred Sanderson. The highly-anticipated sequel soared onto Disney+ nearly three decades after the original film first introduced the world to the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches seeking to stay young forever no matter the cost. Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson were played to such comical perfection by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, that there was much interest amongst audiences to see them reprise their roles.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY
Directed by Anne Fletcher (The Proposal), Hocus Pocus 2 sees a fresh crop of Salem high school students – Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) – light a new Black Flame Candle and accidentally conjure up the Sanderson Sisters. The movie brims with nostalgia and callbacks to Hocus Pocus, featuring the Sandersons in a more prominent position. This includes the flying sequences, which due to advances in technology, are more realistic than ever.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Heidi Pascoe (@heidiverstunts)
After Hocus Pocus 2's release, stuntwoman Heidi Pascoe shared a behind-the-scenes video of how production filmed a flying stunt with Winifred Sanderson. The video features Pascoe, who served as Midler's stuntwoman, flying as Winnie. It depicts the moment she soars across the street and scoops up Cassie midair. Check out the video for yourself above.
How is Hocus Pocus 2 Faring with Audiences & Critics?
Though the flying stunts have advanced since 1993, the actual style of the Sanderson's flight reaps with nostalgia. This stunt in particular is a reference to Hocus Pocus when Winnie grabs Dani (Thora Birch) as she soars high into the evening sky. The sequel features tons of callbacks like this to its predecessor, even going as far as to show footage from the first film.
In another twist of fate, much like the original, Hocus Pocus 2 unfortunately isn't quite dazzling all audiences and critics. While most seem to be in agreement that it's magical to see the Sanderson Sisters back, some don't think it holds a candle to the original flick. Of course, if there's any lesson to be learned from the film's journey, it's to not be too quick to judge because time weaves a spell over viewers. Perhaps in a similar vein to how Hocus Pocus tanked at the box office and then went on to become a cult classic, Hocus Pocus 2 will slowly become a holiday favorite. Only time will tell.