Disney’s long-anticipated Hocus Pocus 2 has strong source material, but the novel has an iPhone scene that should be avoided at all costs. Since 1993, numerous people have associated Halloween with the Sanderson sisters of Hocus Pocus. With the return of the beloved trio creeping closer and closer, audiences can only wonder what to expect from this new story–and hope that it holds up as well as the original does as a classic.
The Hocus Pocus 2 novel follows Poppy Dennison, the daughter of Hocus Pocus protagonist Max Dennison, 25 years after his adventures. She, like her father, summons the witches, the Sanderson sisters, and fights to save Salem from their new evil plan. Similar to the original movie’s “I Put A Spell On You” sequence, the sisters bewitch the adults of Salem. In Hocus Pocus, they do this by crashing the town hall party and performing the aforementioned song. The follow-up book, however, features the Sanderson witches using an iPhone to spread their spell. Using this in the movie adaptation of Hocus Pocus 2 risks ruining it entirely.
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Thus far, Hocus Pocus 2 is relying on nostalgia for its success. Its predecessor, Hocus Pocus, became so popular primarily due to '90s nostalgia. While some modern influence would fit nicely with the original witches returning after 29 years in the Hocus Pocus 2 movie, too much focus on technology would distract from the core of the film. Technology isn’t entirely bad in this case, as it could provide a source of comedic relief for the expected dark theme, like Mary appearing to fly on two Roombas in the promotional poster. However, considering the evergreen legacy of Hocus Pocus, it would be detrimental to modernize too many of the sequel's scenes, at the risk of quickly dating it.
Which Parts Of The Hocus Pocus 2 Novel Would Actually Work?
The novelization of the sequel brings the tale of the Sanderson sisters into modern times. In Hocus Pocus 2, Poppy Dennison embarks on her adventures with her best friends, Isabella and Travis. Isabella is not just a friend, however, but also Poppy’s crush. If this LGBTQ+ relationship occurs in Hocus Pocus 2, Disney would be taking a large step toward inclusivity, considering the trio also includes two people of color. Hocus Pocus 2 would look much different in more ways than one; modern times also lead to modern conversations. The novel’s Gen Z characters confront the misogyny and injustice behind the Salem Witch Trials and the ill-fate of the Sanderson sisters. All of this could provide a refreshing new addition to the beloved '90s tale.
Fortunately, it doesn’t seem as if Hocus Pocus 2 will be based on the novel, so there’s not much to worry about in terms of the movie using too many gimmicky and dated moments. There hasn’t been much revealed about the sequel apart from what’s shown in the teasers. However, with all three original Sanderson witches making their return, the charm is still intact.