Spoiler alert! This story will reveal spoilers about the 2005 movie The Family Stone, which is available to stream with a Prime Video subscription or Hulu subscription.

Families coming together for the holidays make for such a good starting off point for so many stories — including several on the 2025 Christmas movie schedule — especially if there’s a twist involved, like introducing your partner to your family. The 2005 flick The Family Stone offered a brilliantly heightened look into such a situation, and I was so excited to find out a sequel is in the works. To that end, there is one thing I’d love from The Family Stone 2, but also, I have a big concern.

The Family Stone featured an ensemble cast of impressive names like Sarah Jessica Parker, Craig T. Nelson, Claire Danes and, of course, Diane Keaton. Still, this one doesn’t find its way onto everybody’s list of favorite Christmas films. The titular Stones are an admittedly flawed bunch, and on top of having characters who are hard to like, this one is practically guaranteed to make you cry.

I get it, I understand every argument against it, and you’ll just never make me hate it. Before I get into my hopes and fears, though, let’s look at what we know about the upcoming sequel.

The Family Stone 2 Is In The Works Following Diane Keaton’s Death

We’re going to get into spoiler territory here, so turn back now if you aren’t aware of how the 2005 Christmas movie plays out. The Family Stone is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and following Diane Keaton’s death in October at age 79, writer-director Thomas Bezucha revealed to CNN that he’d already been thinking of catching up with the Stones.

While The Family Stone centers around Everett (Dermot Mulroney) introducing his uptight girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) to his judgmental family, the story takes a twist when the Stone children catch onto the fact that their mother Sybil has been diagnosed with a terminal illness (the implication is a recurrence of breast cancer).

Diane Keaton’s death made Thomas Bezucha want to “honor her even more,” with a sequel, despite the fact that it plagued him. He said:

The Family Stone 2 has not officially been green-lit, and none of the ensemble cast has officially signed on, but Thomas Bezucha said he has spoken to everyone and received unanimously positive responses. (Craig T. Nelson and Dermot Mulroney have both acknowledged the project.) The director also said he was only interested in doing the sequel if he could get the original cast back, so we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes on this one.

I’d Love For The Sequel To Feature Another Introduction To The Stone Family

When Everett brought Meredith home to meet the family two decades ago, the next generation of Stones had already begun to form. Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser) was pregnant with her second child, and by the end of the movie, Thad and Patrick (Tyrone Giordano and Brian J. White, respectively) had adopted a son. I think it would be fun to see one of the Stone’s next generation — who would now theoretically be in their 20s — bring home a partner to meet the family.

In addition to the above couples, The Family Stone also saw Everett winding up with Meredith’s sister Julie (Claire Danes), Meredith getting together with Everett’s brother Ben (Luke Wilson), and Amy (in one of Rachel McAdams’ best roles) reconnecting with Brad (Paul Schneider). Any one of these couples could have borne children who could carry out the nod to the plot of the original film.

But here’s the twist: Maybe this time the family members aren’t quite such assholes? Perhaps Sybil’s death has softened them, or Kelly (Craig T. Nelson) has won them over with his “generosity of spirit” mantra that exactly zero of them abided by back in 2005. Here’s my big issue with that idea, though.

I’m Worried Making The Stones Likeable Would Reflect Badly On Diane Keaton’s Character

There’s no doubt in my mind that should The Family Stone 2 actually come to fruition, it will and should be a tribute to Diane Keaton. However, what happens when the Stone family members realize that Sybil was the problem all along? The ending of the first movie even takes a step in that direction, showing a much softer side to all of the family members as they gather for their first holiday without the matriarch.

If we’re being honest, I do believe Sybil Stone was the instigator, and it was an absolute treat to watch Diane Keaton portray this deliciously petty, overbearing, passive-aggressive mother. She mocked Meredith to her face for trying to be polite, she talked openly about Amy’s sex life despite her daughter’s protests and she facilitated pretty much all of the toxic behavior happening at the Stone family Christmas.

(However, I will never fault her for defending Thad and Patrick during one of the most awkward family dinners ever on screen, even if there was probably a better way to handle it. Protect these men at all costs.)

So regardless of whether or not a new person is being introduced to the Stone family in the sequel, I don’t know how you solve this conundrum: Either the family is still illogically mean and unlikeable, or they’ve turned into pleasant people now that Sybil has passed on and is no longer around to encourage the bad behavior. And what kind of tribute to Diane Keaton would that be?

Either way, it’s going to be admittedly difficult to see the Stones reunite without Sybil — the final scene of The Family Stone was already difficult — and I imagine Diane Keaton’s presence will be missed in every scene. Still, even knowing this, and with the concern I talked out above, I’m really hoping The Family Stone 2 comes together.

The 2005 film is available to stream on Prime Video and Hulu, if you’d like to relive the Stone holiday drama. It really can put your own family get-togethers into perspective, and some people say it’s better the second time around anyway!

Hocus Pocus may have been a box office bomb when it first premiered in theaters in the summer of 1993 when Jurassic Park was ruling big screens, but it has since become a staple of family-friendly Halloween season viewing. When Disney+ decided to bring back the Sanderson sisters back in 2022 with Hocus Pocus 2, it became so popular on streaming that we were left wondering why it didn’t go to theaters. Oh, and it was announced that a third movie is on the way. As we soon say goodbye to Halloween season, here's the latest on what’s going on with it.

Bette Midler was asked about the status of Hocus Pocus 3 when she appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen earlier this month. Here’s her update:

That’s a big step! A lot of what stalls productions has to do with a script not being written or not getting to the right place in time. But per Midler’s words, things are in a good place with current Hocus Pocus 3 script. So right now, the conversations being had has to do with “logistics” such as creating the budget and perhaps fine-tuning some elements of the script’s storyline.

Hocus Pocus 3 was first announced back in June 2025 when former president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, confirmed the sequel was in development. Not long after that, it was reported that Hocus Pocus 2’s director Anne Fletcher and script writer Jen D’Angelo were going to resume their roles in the next installment. Per Midler’s words, it sounds like D’Angelo got the job done, after she previously teased about how the Sanderson sisters could return.

It’s great to hear about the forward movement of Hocus Pocus 3 after prior updates were a lot less concrete. The last time Bette Midler talked about the movie last year, she said the studio was “very gingerly and very gently” talking about the sequel. This past July, Sarah Jessica Parker expressed interest in doing the movie, and said “conversations” had been happening.

It certainly feels like a no-brainer for Disney+ to produce the movie after the movie had the biggest streaming movie debut ever, with 2.7 billion minutes viewed during its debut weekend on the service. Here’s hoping it’s not long before we’re seeing the trio back on set together celebrating the first day of filming. How exciting is it to know a new witches brew from the franchise is being cooked up?

Minor spoilers for And Just Like That... Season 3, Episode 12 are ahead.

And just like that, And Just Like That… has come to a close on the 2025 TV schedule, and sadly, it didn’t go out with the glamour you’d likely expect from Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw. No, it ended by, quite literally, going down the toilet, and now critics are not holding back their brutal thoughts about how this Sex and the City reboot concluded.

The final episode of And Just Like That… left fans divided; however, critics aren’t so split. They, to be blunt, were not here for how this series ended at all. Slate’s David Mack, in fact, leaned into the toilet-related scene from the show, noting that it felt like that moment reflected the series as a whole, explaining:

Toward the end of the Sex and the City reboot's last episode, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) was seen cleaning up a toilet that had overflowed. It was messy and gross, and Mack explained that it was an appropriate way to close the show that “seemed wholly unique in its apparent disdain for its own characters.”

To that point, as folks watched And Just Like That… Season 3 with their HBO Max subscription, it became clear that many were now hate watching the series.

Going back to the finale, specifically, Ben Travers' review for Indie Wire noted in the headline that this finale was “a disaster.” He even said it’s worse than the second movie. He explained that as a singular episode, “Party of One” is “fine,” however, as a series finale, that’s a different story. He wrote:

He really didn’t hold back, calling the episode a “disgrace” and a “brimming bowl of shit.” As the excerpt explains, when it was announced that the series was ending, showrunner Michael Patrick King said he felt like this episode was “a wonderful place to stop.” Well, this reviewer called “bullshit” on that claim and was not buying this episode as an intentional series finale.

Over at THR, Robyn Bahr wrote about how the show went “out with a whimper.” She was also unimpressed by it and noted how she thought this shocking end reflected the rest of the series:

According to Adam White at The Independent, Carrie and her friends “deserved better.” Considering the history of Sex and the City, ending a story that’s been ongoing for such a long time is hard, no matter what, but to end it this way left some critics distraught. Like White, who wrote:

While this episode seemed to leave some critics genuinely outraged, others were simply confused. Ali Trachta at NYT wrote:

Trachta did note that the episode was “satisfying” in the sense that there weren’t loose ends at the end.

Overall, these critics were left wondering how this could be the end of not just And Just Like That… but also, presumably, Sex and the City. While the AJLT cast were reflective and sweet while reminiscing on the show’s end, these reviewers and fans were not happy with this conclusion, literally, going down the toilet.

The Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That…, is officially ending after its third season, which is currently streamable with an HBO Max subscription. So fans will soon have to say goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw, Miranda Hobbes, and Charlotte York once again. While there's a two-part finale has been planned for the show, it’s still heartbreaking. As fans cope with the news, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis penned sweet messages, and they make the cancellation news feel all the more real.

SJP is quite close to (and envious of) Carrie Bradshaw, the character she's been synonymous with for nearly three decades now. With that, Parker shared a lengthy message on Instagram alongside a compilation video of her time working on Sex and the City days as well as And Just Like That… The actress counted off the elements that were vital to Carrie's characterization and also said that Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte are the best friends for Carrie to have. Parker then reflected on the experience that has made quite an impact on her life, and I'm trying not to tear up:

Cynthia Nixon also shared a series of photos on her Instagram as she reflected on her time portraying the fan-favorite Miranda. The pictures she included are both actual stills from SATC and AJLT as well as behind-the-scenes photos from both productions. Like others, Nixon is also seemingly having a hard time coming to terms with the end of the franchise. While her message isn’t nearly as long as her co-star’s, it’s no less emotional:

Cynthia Davis’ message is also brief, and she didn’t share any photos from her time playing the role of Charlotte. She did, however, repost the statement from showrunner, writer and director Michael Patrick King, who initially revealed that And Just Like That… would end. Davis explained how much the show means to her and also shouted out the cast, crew and many “loyal” fans:

And Just Like That… premiered in 2021, over 17 years after Sex and the City ended. I can say that as a fan, it's been wonderful to revisit these characters over the past few years. For that reason, it's certainly hard to say goodbye once again. There is a clear silver lining here, though, and it's that the cast and crew have the opportunity to end the show on their own terms. That's much better than a straight-up cancellation, even if it means the show's run will end after only three seasons. Still, fans were able to see some of their favorite SATC characters return, even if for only a brief time.

Additional information on the upcoming two-part finale has not been revealed, but I'll surely be tuning in when it finally airs amid the 2025 TV schedule. In the meantime, fans can watch Season 3 of AJLT in full on HBO Max, along with the first two seasons as a way of preparing for the final installments.

Spoilers ahead for And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 9.

Sex and The City is a HBO show that got people talking, and has remained a vital part of the pop culture landscape for decades. Its spinoff And Just Like That is in the midst of Season 3 for those with a HBO Max subscription, and it's been a wild one. The penultimate episode just aired, and featured a surprise cameo by Andy Cohen, who reprised his role from Sex and The City Season 6. And yes, fans are freaking out about it.

Season 3 of And Just Like That has been a ride, and I'm sad it's almost over. I was over the moon that Carrie and Aidan finally broke up in the latest episode, but another moment also broke the internet: Andy Cohen's return as Daniel the shoe salesman. HBO's Instagram post featured his scenes in both shows, check it out:

Andy Cohen and Sarah Jessica Parker are besties, so seeing them back in the Sex and the City universe together got folks talking. While he wasn't a public figure when he popped up in the original series, an appearance by Andy means much more now that he's famous... even for folks who aren't obsessed with the Real Housewives franchise.

In both that video and an additional post that Andy posted, the comments section blew up with fans who were freaking out about seeing him and SJP together on And Just Like That. Some A+ responses include:

• I SCREAMED WHEN HE APPEARED!! one of the best episodes ❤️
• WE LOVE ANDY WHAT A KING HE ATE THOSE 2 SECONDS OF SCREEN TIME
• Also look how freaking amazing you both look 🔥🔥\
• This makes me SO HAPPY!!!!!! 👠👠👠👠
• THIS IS EVERYTHING ❤️

Honestly, same. I definitely made an audible noise when Andy popped up for a brief but memorable scene in Episode 9 of And Just Like That. And I'm hoping he talks about what it was like filming that cameo in Watch What Happens Live (which is streaming with a Peacock subscription).

As previously mentioned, Cohen created his own post about his tenure in the Sex and the City universe, with he and SJP even recreating their pose from back in Season 6. See for yourself below:

I mean, how cute is that? Cohen and Sarah Jessica Parker have aged like fine wine, and it's heartening to see how strong their friendship continues to be. And while Episode 9 was a hard one for Carrie, at least we got to have this fun moment between the two real-life besties.

There's only one more episode of And Just Like That left this season, so it should be interesting to see where Michael Patrick King takes his cast of characters for that final installment. With Carrie and Aidan finally donezo, will she finally hook up with Duncan? Fingers crossed.

And Just Like That airs new episodes Thursdays on Max as part of the 2025 TV schedule. We'll just have to wait and see if any more wild cameos happen during the finale.

Sex and the City is a HBO show that got people talking, and it's remained a vital part of pop culture for decades. It's spinoff, And Just Like That, is in the midst of Season 3 for those with a Max subscription, and I religiously watch every Thursday. The season has been fun, but if Carrie and Aidan don't break up soon I'm going to absolutely lose it.

Season 3 of And Just Like That picked up right where we let things left off, with Carrie living alone in her gorgeous new townhouse while having a long distance relationship with Aidan. While she maintains she's happy, I've got to say that it seems like a miserable state of affairs. Every episode makes me more upset that Sarah Jessica Parker's signature character is in this hostage situation, especially as we meet dreamy possible new love interests.

Aidan Has Been A Pretty Awful Boyfriend This Season

Aidan asking Carrie to put her life on hold for a whopping five years took me aback, but the fact that he's been such a dud of a partner for our protagonist on And Just Like That is making me absolutely bonkers. You'd think that he'd be bending over backwards to make sure she's happy during this time in romantic purgatory, but it seems like he's almost not considering her feelings at all.

Aidan's return in Season 2 was an exciting prospect... until we saw what it was like being in a long distance relationship with him. He doesn't text back, he doesn't call, he doesn't even let her know when he's coming to visit "their" home in New York.

Him breaking the vintage window was bad enough, but seeing him come between Carrie's creative partnership with her neighbor Duncan sent me over the edge. I just feel like everything is all about Aidan... and not in a good way.

While Miranda's my favorite character in Season 3, Aidan is most certainly at the bottom of the list. Obviously the season is not over yet, so there's still a chance for him to have redemption. Although I'd prefer a good old fashioned break-up... just not a Post-it. Honestly I'd prefer Berger at this point.

Carrie Just Doesn't Seem Happy To Me

Throughout Season 3, Carrie's friends have listened to her talk about her relationship with Aidan. Time and time again she insists she's happy, but I'm not buying it. In fact, I'm not sure even Carrie believes herself. Just look at how she blew up at Miranda the last time she brought it up.

Her unhappiness seems to me magnified anytime we get to see Carrie flirting with one of the new potential suitors this season. While her landscape architect Adam ended up being a love interest for Seema, Duncan is still seemingly on the table. Their chemistry is solid, and I'd love to see things get romantic. First, we're going to have to get rid of Aidan.

New episodes of And Just Like That air Thursdays on HBO Max as part of the 2025 TV schedule. We're nearly at the finale, so it feels like just about anything could happen.

One of Nicolas Cage’s best movies was Honeymoon in Vegas. Co-starring Sarah Jessica Parker and set in Las Vegas, the rom-com is about a man who loses a big fortune to a professional gambler who then uses his fiancée as collateral. In real life, Parker admitted she and her co-star actually dated in real life. This led to Cage getting real about their past romance that involved his date’s mom.

On a July 13th episode of Watch What Happens Live!, Sarah Jessica Parker casually mentioned to Andy Cohen a decades-old rumor—she did date her Honeymoon in Vegas co-star Nic Cage. This led to E! News wanting to hear the Oscar winner’s side of the story, where he opened up about his past romance with her in a statement:

Ooh, not hitting it off with your mom’s date would definitely hit a snag in the relationship. Maybe Nic Cage’s motorcycle jacket gave off “bad boy” vibes her mother didn't agree with? But I guess it wasn’t meant to be.

There’s no need to feel too bad that things didn’t work out between the Honeymoon in Vegas co-stars, as the two have long moved on. Nicolas Cage has been married to multiple famous people, like Patricia Arquette for six years and the late Lisa Marie Presley for 107 days.

Nicolas Cage then married Alice Kim in 2004, where they shared a son, Kal-El, before their divorce in 2016. But like Cage’s Honeymoon in Vegas character, he got married in Las Vegas to Riko Shibata in 2021 with their daughter, August, born a year later.

As for Sarah Jessica Parker, she’s had her share of A-list celebrity dates like Robert Downey Jr. and John F. Kennedy Jr. But the real deal for her was with Matthew Broderick, whom she met at the Naked Angels theater company where the two performed.

The Sex in the City actress cutely told Andy Cohen that she was the one who first told the Godzilla actor she loved him, believing she had “nothing to lose.” It’s clear she knew her feelings for her beau were real and wasn’t afraid to show them. Plus, I’m assuming Matthew Broderick worked his charm to pass “the Mom test.”

Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding day with the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off actor took place in 1997, and they have been together ever since. The married couple had a son in 2002 and twin girls in 2009, who were born via surrogacy.

Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker may not have worked out due to him not passing “the Mom test.” However, it looks like the two stars created their own love stories and families in other places. Make sure to look at our 2025 movie releases so you’re up to speed on their upcoming film projects.

As we all know, the beloved ’90s family-friendly movie has built a cult following since its 1993 premiere. Since then fans of Winnie, Mary and Sarah Sanderson had longed for a continuation of the humorous but witchy tale. The sequel arrived nearly 30 years later (to mixed reviews) but almost instantaneously sparked the Black Flame candle again with talks of Hocus Pocus 3. Since then, we’ve heard rumblings of the threequel, and Sarah Jessica Parker revealed what’s going on in their slice of Salem currently.

Though there’s no sight of Sarah Sanderson or her sisters, in the 2025 TV guide, you can catch SJP on Season 3 of …And Just Like That. She stopped by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen to chat about the current happenings for the NYC-based icon (available to stream with an HBO Max subscription). While there, she hinted at what was happening with the wicked siblings and the slow-moving Hocus Pocus 3 developments. Unfortunately, nothing super exciting to reveal, other than the trio is still in and people are talking, as she said:

Though not much is said in the statement, there are a few things to take away from it for fans who want to see more Sanderson content. The first, and arguably most important element, is that SJP, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy are still on board. In my opinion, there’s not much ground, hallowed or not, to stand on without them. The other point is that talks are still being had on how to develop the future movie that will inevitably stream with a Disney+ subscription.

For anyone who’s been following the saga, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Many behind-the-scenes, including writer Jen D’Angelo, have discussed the many directions that they could head in, story-wise, including exploring more of Hannah Waddingham's character. As a fan who watched the first one annually (and more) during the ‘90s, I have a lot of feelings about the sequel and the OG characters MIA.

Currently, it seems that 3 remains more of a question to everyone, but it has the potential to keep the door open for old faces. Omri Katz (aka Max) has expressed interest and has been one of the most notable of the 1993 flick to voice his feelings. Meanwhile, Doug Jones has mused about Billy Butcherson's future along with Winnie, Mary and Sarah since the quartet all seemed to somewhat have moments of closure.

All of us will have to wait and see how Hocus Pocus 3 plans will take flight, including Sarah Jessica Parker and co.

It’s been nearly two years since we last saw Carrie Bradshaw and the gang, but finally And Just Like That Season 3 has hit the 2025 TV schedule. If fans of the Sex and the City spinoff were looking forward to more of Sarah Jessica Parker’s character’s off-the-wall fashion choices, they certainly didn’t have to wait long. The Season 3 premiere “Outlook Good” featured quite a statement piece of headwear that fans thought was bold — even for Carrie.

Many of those watching And Just Like That’s premiere (which, along with its Sex and the City predecessor, can be streamed with a Max subscription) couldn’t help but fly to social media to discuss Carrie Bradshaw’s hat as she strolled around Washington Square Park with Sarita Choudhury’s Seema Patel. The floppy design had this fan calling the choice “unhinged,” as they posted:

The floppy gingham piece actually is giving “duvet cover,” as pointed out above, but if you’re hoping to try out this look for yourself, it will set you back more than a few hundred bucks. The designer Maryam Keyhani piece retails for $511 (per Page Six).

I guess there’s no arguing that this is high fashion, but for those uneducated in the art of the floppy hat, like this fan, it’s a bit difficult to comprehend:

I’ve certainly never seen anybody walking down the street or through the park attempting (and pulling off!) such a strong Strawberry Shortcake-esque look, but of course, I don’t live in NYC. And if we’re being honest, isn’t this exactly the kind of style moment we yearn for from Carrie Bradshaw? As another viewer said:

Indeed, many fans seemed to feel like And Just Like That wasn’t back until SJP’s character made a fashion statement like this. The actress said when she first laid eyes on the hat, she knew she had to have it, telling US Weekly:

I’m certain that wasn’t a battle that was hard to win! As much as fans trolled the piece, I think we can collectively agree the season hasn’t really started until Carrie Bradshaw dons a wild hat. According to this social media user:

For some fans, this moment from the May 29 episode was a long time coming, as Sarah Jessica Parker actually gave a preview of this look — which also included a vintage ’70s tiered Ossie Clark dress and $120 Dr. Scholl’s wooden slides — while shooting the scene a year ago. Viewers now are just ready to feast, as one posted:

The good news is that the extended 12-episode third season has just kicked off, and I can’t imagine the wild looks are going anywhere. Tune in for new episodes of And Just Like That at 9 p.m. ET Thursdays streaming on Max.

HBO has long been a hub for quality television, dating back to the days of The Sopranos and Sex and the City (which are streaming with a Max subscription). Both of those are considered some of the best HBO shows, and the latter recently got a spinoff with And Just Like That. The series broke the internet with its first episode, which saw Chris Noth's Big die. And now Carrie herself Sarah Jessica Parker has shared her thoughts about what creative decision.

What we know about And Just Like That Season 3 has been limited, but it's going to premiere on Max in just a few days. While folks figure out how to watch AJLT Season 3, fans are reflecting on the previous two installments. Parker spoke to E! News about the choice to kill off Big in Episode 1, saying:

She's not wrong. Big and Carrie were the main story of Sex and the City during its run, as well as the two movies that followed. So having that narrative come to such a sad end was understandably difficult for Parker at the time. Although that twist is the catalyst for the protagonist's journey throughout the first season of And Just Like That.

Carrie becoming a widow is a story that many of the fans of And Just Like That can relate to, especially those who have grown older with the ladies. And when Stanford actor Willie Garson died while filming Season 1, it brought the theme of loss to the forefront of the spinoff.

Later in that same interview, Parker went on to share why she had such strong feelings about Big's death in And Just Like That. In her words:

In the end, the timing might have been fortuitous for the spinoff, despite these feelings. Because shortly after Season 1 began its run on Max, Chris Noth was accused of sexual assault and more. But with Big already gone, And Just Like That was able to thrive and get renewed for multiple seasons.

It should be interesting to see where Season 3 of the spinoff takes the story. Sara Ramirez's Che Diaz will not be included in the next slate of episodes, presumably thanks to backlash about the character. Karen Pittman also isn't expected to reprise her role as Nya Wallace, so two of the big newcomers won't be back for the third season. This should presumably change the dynamic, while also freeing up more screen time for the likes of Sarita Choudhury's Seema Patel and the OG ladies.

And Just Like That kicks off Season 3 on May 29th as part of the 2025 TV premiere list. We'll just have to wait and see if any other characters kick the bucket.

There has been a lot of talk about "nepo babies" over the last few years, and while it may seem like every actor has famous parents. That is hardly the case though, of course. Many of our favorite actors come from much more humble roots. So let's celebrate those stars with this list of actors who came from blue-collar backgrounds. 

Sarah Jessica Parker

Growing up in Ohio Sarah Jessica Parker had a huge family, with seven siblings and step-siblings. She's talked about how there were times her parents struggled to pay the bills and were even on welfare for a time. Though her mom ran a nursery and her stepdad was a truck driver, they still found a way to support Parker's show business dreams and eventually moved to New York so she could star on Broadway. 

James Dean

James Dean is one of the most tragic stories in Hollywood history, and his upbringing was pretty rough too. His father left when he was a toddler and his mother supported the two of them as a single mother during The Depression. That is until she passed away when Dean was only nine. He moved to Ohio and lived with his aunt and uncle where things stabilized for him. After graduating high school, he moved to LA and embarked on his all-too-brief career. 

Maisie Williams

Though she found fame at early age with Game of Thrones Maisie Williams' family struggled when she was younger. She was raised in a council house (public housing in the UK) until she was cast in the hit HBO show at age 12. 

Jeremy Strong

Jeremy Strong may play a scion to one of the wealthiest families on TV in Succession, but in real life, he had a much more humble upbringing. Strong grew up in the blue-collar area of Jamaica Plain in Boston and his father was a guard in juvenile jails in town. Eventually the family moved to the more upscale town of Sudbury, where he went to high school and discovered acting. 

Samuel L. Jackson

For most of his career, Samuel L. Jackson was a blue-collar actor working as much as he could. That makes with his upbringing as the son of a single mother who worked in a factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Shania Twain

Shaina Twain is best known as a country singer, of course, but she's done a little acting over her impressive career as well. It's a career that has taken far away from her humble roots outside Toronto, Ontario, where the family struggled. Those struggles led to her finding gigs as a singer at a young age and the rest is history.

Samantha Morton

Samantha Morton had a rough upbringing in the UK. Nine of her formative years were spent in foster care when her parents, who were addicts, weren't able to care for her. She had a couple of scraps with the law herself but started getting acting work in her teens and it all came together. 

Dolly Parton

There is no more revered person in Hollywood (or Nashville) than the great Dolly Parton. She's often talked about her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee as one of 12 children. She has always praised how her mother kept the family together through hard times and when Parton was 18 she moved to Nashville and hit the big time pretty quickly as a songwriter and a singer. 

Adam Driver

Megalopolis star Adam Driver moved around a lot as a kid, living all over from San Diego to Indiana. His stepfather was a Baptist preacher, but he was mostly raised by his mother in Indiana. After the September 11th attacks, he joined the Marines and served, like many other actors have over the years, for a few years before being discharged for a medical reason and starting his acting career. 

Al Pacino

Al Pacino grew up mostly in the South Bronx, and anyone from New York can tell you that the South Bronx in the '40s and '50s was a tough place to live. By his own admission he got in trouble a lot, as often happens with kids with hard working parents. Even as a actor early in his career he couch-surfed with friends until he started landing gigs regularly. 

Dax Shepard

Dax Shepard's family experienced the American Dream, according to the actor and podcast host. His mom worked at GM while he was growing up near Detroit and the family struggled, but as he got older, his mom's career grew and she moved up the ranks from janitor to executive, so by the time Shepard was in high school, she was quite successful. 

Ice Cube

Any fan of N.W.A. knows about Ice Cube's roots in South Central LA as the son of a janitor and a groundskeeper. As a result of desegregation, Ice Cube had the opportunity to get bussed out of Compton and out to the suburbs, where he thrived in English class, something he would make good use of later in life as the principal lyricist for one of the most successful rap acts of all time. 

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson, who has won the famed EGOT, was raised with her two siblings by a single mother on the South Side of Chicago. She started working in local theater at a young age and famously worked on the Disney Cruise line before auditioning for American Idol in the show's third season, which was, of course, her big break. 

Mel Brooks

The legendary Mel Brooks, like so many of his generation, was the child of immigrants. He was raised very poor in Brooklyn surrounded by people who worked in the garment industry. Instead of following in their footsteps, he went into show business and the world is luckier for it. 

Joan Crawford

Screen legend Joan Crawford would die a very rich woman, but she started life as the daughter of a construction worker in Texas. After her parents split up and her mother remarried, her stepfather got in trouble in Texas and the family moved to Kansas City where Crawford attended Catholic school as a work student. 

Jim Carrey

At one point Jim Carrey was the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, which is far cry from his humble beginnings in and around Toronto. For a time, Carrey has admitted, they were even homeless. Eventually his father found more stable employment and after dropping out of high school Carrey worked on his stand up routine and took shifts at a nearby factory. 

Misha Collins

Supernatural star Misha Collins grew up working class in Boston and he has said in the past that his family spent some time unhoused. He was lucky enough to gain admission to a prep school, which led him to the University of Chicago and eventually an internship at The White House during the Clinton administration before he concentrated on his acting career. 

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has been a part of two of the biggest franchises in Hollywood, Star Wars and the MCU. It wasn't always the big time for her though. Her mother was a teenager when she was born and never married Dawson's father, but did marry another man, from whom Dawson takes her last name. He was a construction worker first in New York and later in Texas. 

Jessica Chastain

Though she doesn't talk much about her upbringing, we do know that Jessica Chastain's stepfather was a firefighter and that her family life was a struggle growing up. She grew up in Sacramento with four siblings, though she lost one to suicide when she was in her early 20s. Chastain started acting as a kid and her career would eventually take off and she would become one of the most beloved and acclaimed actors of her generation. 

Daniel Kaluuya

Born of Uganda immigrants in London, Daniel Kaluuya was raised on a council estate in one of the city's most famous blue-collar areas, Camden. He didn't know his father growing up, but he excelled in school and started acting in plays while there. he started landing paying gigs in his teens and the rest is history.

Hilary Swank

Though she has humble roots as the daughter of an army soldier, Hilary Swank grew up in a stable household and even after her parents split up when she was 15, her mother moved with Swank to the LA area so she could try her hand at Hollywood. That bet paid off as Swank has been one of the best actresses around for decades. 

Charlie Chaplin

It could be argued that Charlie Chaplin was the first bonafide superstar of the silver screen. While he would eventually become Hollywood's biggest star and one of the most financially successful moviemakers of his era, his childhood was a hardscrabble upbringing in central London. His parents had no capacity to raise children and he bounced around reform schools and other group homes as a kid before finding his way, first in the theater then later in silent films. 

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez famously grew up "on the 6," meaning the 6-Train through the Bronx in New York City. Her father had a job as a computer technician and Lopez had a solid, yet definitely blue-collar upbringing. 

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson has starred in some of the best roles in Hollywood over the last four decades, and one of them, Woody Boyd on Cheers, reflected his actual blue-collar roots in Indiana. The story of Woody Boyd and Woody Harrelson are pretty similar, as both were raised in rural Indiana. Harrelson was famously locked up in prison for most of his upbringing, and he eventually died in prison after Harrelson's career had taken off. 

Viola Davis

Viola Davis was actually born on plantation in South Carolina, if you can believe it. She was raised mostly in Rhode Island, however, but it was a hard upbringing which has described of being very financially unstable. 

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig may be famous for playing suave, debonair, and sophisticated characters, but that's nothing like his upbringing. His father was a construction worker and bar manager, though Craig does have aristocratic ancestors. 

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix (and his late brother River) had a wild upbringing. His parent were part of a cult called the Children of God and Phoenix spent much of his early life living in South America as his parents traveled as missionaries for the religious group. Eventually, the family left the cult, adopting the name "Phoenix" as a sign of their rebirth as a family in a new life.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is famously one of the richest people in Hollywood, but that's not how she started out. Her mother was a teenager in Milwaukee, but before long Winfrey found herself in Nashville living with the man she considers her father. While still a teen in Nashville, she started working in radio, which would eventually lead to her media empire. 

Bella Thorne

The whole reason Bella Thorne became a professional actor was to help support her family growing up. After her father was killed in a car wreck when she was ten, Thorne's mother was left to raise four children on her own. It was a tough upbringing, but the acting gigs started coming more and more often and got her big break on the Disney Channel's Shake It Up in 2010. 

James Caan

James Caan was in some of the best movies in Hollywood history. The list of Caan's best movies is incredible. His father was a deli meat salesman and he grew up in the blue-collar neighborhood of Sunnyside, Queens, in New York City. He found acting while he briefly attended Hofstra, where he would also meet Francis Ford Coppola, who would give the role of Sonny in The Godfather years later. 

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was raised by a single mother who had Gomez when she was just 16. Gomez has never been resentful, it seems, and credits her with raising her under such trying conditions. Gomez caught the acting bug at a pretty young age and ws soon landing shows on kids shows, leading to the insanely successful career we all know and love. 

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington had the definition of a blue-collar upbringing as the son of a beautician and an employee of the water company in his hometown of New York City. His parent worked hard to make sure he got a good education and after graduating from Fordham, he embarked on one of the most successful Hollywood careers of all time. 

The first full week of the 2024 Summer Olympics (which you can stream on Peacock) is in full swing! And, unsurprisingly, these next few days are expected to be a big, with Simone Biles and Team USA's gymnasts competing while the swim team are set to vie for the gold as well. However, it’s not all about winning medals in Paris, at least not for media pundit Hoda Kotb, who is fangirling while hanging out with celebrities like Tom Cruise and Sarah Jessica Parker. In addition to that, she's, of course, cheering on Team USA. Needless to say, I'm absolutely living for her cool experiences!

With this being the first Olympics to allow guests since before the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that Paris is currently flooded with stars. From the cast of Wicked gracing the stands during opening ceremony to former Olympians celebrating their country, everyone is out in force and the TODAY host is there ready to celebrate with everyone. Hoda Kotb kicked things off on Friday, snapping a shot with Tom Cruise amid the very rainy opening ceremonies. The July rainstorm didn’t stop either of them from smiling wide for the picture. The only detail that would have made it better is if Cruise was sporting the standard rain poncho like everyone else:

The morning show host has been working in the media industry for years, so it’s hard to imagine that she’s never had the chance to meet Tom Cruise before. Who knew all she had to do was leave the Big Apple and head to Paris to finally shake hands with the Top Gun star.

A few days later, the TV journalist shared a video of herself running into Sarah Jessica Parker, as they both headed into the gymnastics qualifier event. The two can be seen hugging each other in the lobby, but the greatest part of the video is the text on screen that gives a cheeky nod to the Sex and the City revival/sequel series And Just Like That (which has a third season on the way):

Seeing the morning show host get to hang out with celebrities is fun, but what really makes her trip to Paris so exciting is that she actually cares about the athletes and seeing them succeed. In another video shared on The Today Show's Instagram, Hoda Kotb is in full Team USA mode at the women’s gymnastics qualifiers event.

She has her USA sweatshirt on as well as a pair of binoculars so she doesn’t miss any of the action. On top of that, she's routinely on her feet, cheering on Simone Biles and the rest of the talented gymnastics team as they fought their way into a spot at this week’s team final event. Check out the clip:

The only thing that would have made her more relatable is if she had watched the action through her hands like so many of the gymnasts’ families and fans do. I mean, it goes without saying that the Olympics can bring out a lot of nerves whether you're a competitor or a spectator. Still, Hoda Kotb living the dream and, as a giant fan of the Olympics myself, I can’t help but be a bit jealous.

While it’s not the same as being in Paris to witness the events live, you can stream every event from the 2024 Summer Olympics live along with replays using an active Peacock subscription.

When a popular show is getting ready to go into production there are always going to be rumors about just what the future holds for popular characters. Those rumors often turn out to be true, but sometimes they do not. It’s impossible to know for sure just what’s going on and things are getting even more confusing for ...And Just Like That Season 3 as one star is denying a return to the show amidst a series of intentionally misleading filming notices. 

Kim Cattrall’s cameo in Season 2 of ...And Just Like That was a big deal considering her very well-known feud with Sarah Jessica Parker. But considering she did reprise her Sex and the City role, fans with a Max subscription have wondered if she may return for Season 3 as well. And while she has an answer, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to know what’s real. 

Kim Cattrall Denies Returning To ...And Just Like That

Fans of Kim Cattrall’s Samantha may have gotten very excited recently thanks to an article in Elle that claimed that a return for the character was all but a done deal for ...And Just Like That Season 3. Unfortunately, those fans may be disappointed as Cattrall herself responded to somebody posting the article on social media to specifically state that she won’t be appearing.

While it wouldn’t be entirely outside the realm of possibility that Kim Cattrall could just be denying an appearance even if she actually was going to be on the show, some actors just lie about appearances, it would seem this should put the rumor to bed. Still, the rumor that Cattrall would return is the least bizarre thing being said about ...And Just Like That right now. 

Fake Filming Notices For ...And Just Like That Are Popping Up In New York City 

If Kim Cattrall isn’t in the new season of ...And Just Like That, that’s fine, but what will be part of the season is still a big question. But if you happen to be in New York City, you can’t trust any filming notices you see. Some prankster has apparently papered the city with a collection of fake filming notices for ...And Just Like That, and other shows as well, with some bizarre details for the scenes allegedly being shot. One of them reads…

I mean, I can’t say I’m not a little disappointed this isn’t real, as I would love to watch an episode of TV where this happens. Honestly, if Jim Carrey wants to come out of retirement and film a comedy series where various TV characters hire his Liar, Liar character, I think we might have a hit on our hands. 

But there are other hilarious filming notices out there. One claims that Carrie will reveal to her friends that she is, in fact, Garfield the cat (I always suspected) while another claims that Mr. Bean is set to appear on the show…

At this point, nobody seems to know anything bout who is doing this or why. Unless these all turn out to be real? Man next season is going to get wild.  

Sometimes, a character and a project come around that impacts the zeitgeist deeply, and when that happens, the role becomes permanently attached to an actor’s legacy. This list includes over 30 actors from some of the greatest movies and TV shows who will forever be remembered for one role. 

Daniel Radcliffe – Harry Potter, Harry Potter 

While Daniel Radcliffe’s list of best movies is long and notable – with entries like Swiss Army Man and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – he will always be known first and foremost as The Boy Who Lived. The actor took on the titular role of Harry Potter when he was 12 years old, and he’s the face of a franchise of movies that have raised countless people. So, while he is beloved for lots of things, nothing will ever be as big and prominent as his role in the Wizarding World.  

Aaron Paul – Jesse Pinkman, Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad and its cast truly took the world by storm, and the guys leading the charge, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, became certified legends because of it. It’s hard to separate Paul from Jesse Pinkman, and the impact he made with his fellow ensemble members in this incredible show.  

Sarah Michelle Gellar – Buffy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

When you play one of the greatest TV characters of all time, obviously, it’ll be the thing you’re most remembered for. For Sarah Michelle Gellar, she’ll always be known as the legendary Buffy the Vampire Slayer after playing the empowering and strong titular character for seven seasons in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. 

Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man/Tony Stark, Iron Man

Yes, Robert Downey Jr. won an Oscar for Oppenheimer, and yes, he’s well known for roles in other films, like Sherlock Holmes. However, when you single-handedly help successfully start a cinematic universe like the one Marvel has and star in nine of those projects, yes, you are going to be known for playing that character forever.

So, when it comes to RDJ’s legacy, his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be the thing he’s remembered forever for.  

Elijah Wood – Frodo, Lord of the Rings

Like Daniel Radcliffe and Harry Potter, so many grew up with Elijah Wood and Lord of the Rings. His portrayal of the hobbit Frodo Baggins was incredibly impactful, and while he has gone on to play a variety of memorable roles, there’s no denying the power of the Rings. 

Carrie Fisher – Princess Leia, Star Wars

You can’t talk about the late great Carrie Fisher and her career without mentioning Princess Leia and the Star Wars movies. She inspired a whole generation as her intelligent, stubborn and empowering princess, and the five films she was a part of helped define sci-fi in film. 

Leonard Nimoy – Spock, Star Trek

Live long and prosper, my friend. Forever and always the legendary Leonard Nimoy will be known for originating the role of the half-Vulcan, half-human Spock in Star Trek. 

Christopher Reeve – Superman, Superman

Christopher Reeve’s legacy is rooted in him playing Superman in four films. Even the documentary that came out about his life in 2024 leans into his time playing Clark Kent, as it’s called Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. 

James Gandolfini – Tony Soprano, The Sopranos

The Sopranos is considered one of the greatest shows on television, and James Gandolfini’s performance as Tony Soprano is a major reason why. The actor won three Emmys for his performance in the series, and his name, face and voice are synonymous with the beloved HBO drama. 

Alicia Silverstone – Cher Horowitz, Clueless

When I think of Alicia Silverstone, I immediately think of Cher, because she is and always will be best known for her iconic performance in one of the best movies of the ‘90s, Clueless. 

Sigourney Weaver – Ellen Ripley, Alien

Sigourney Weaver changed the sci-fi game when she starred in Alien. Ellen Ripley is a magnificent and strong leading woman in this sci-fi horror flick, which in 1979, was not something we saw very often. 

Jim Parsons – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory

“Bazinga!” Will always follow Jim Parsons, and that’s because of his tenure playing Sheldon Cooper in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The actor has four Emmys for playing the role, he starred in all 280 episodes of the comedy, and his character even inspired a spinoff, Young Sheldon, which came to an end in 2024 after its own seven-season run. 

Kit Harington – Jon Snow, Game of Thrones

The world was introduced to Kit Harington because of Game of Thrones, and he will always be remembered as the heroic Jon Snow. His role in the GOT cast was vital, and over the years, as we watched him battle it out at The Wall and work toward saving Westeros from winter, it was impossible not to fall for him. Now, while Harington has been in numerous other projects since then, it’s impossible not to think of him as this epic fantasy hero first. 

Emma Watson – Hermione Granger, Harry Potter

These days, Emma Watson doesn’t act anymore, and she’s killing with her gin company Renais. However, she’ll also always be remembered as a wonderful actress who brought life to the beloved witch Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. 

The Entire Cast of Friends

Yes, the cast of Friends all went on to have successful careers after the NBC sitcom. However, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox are best known as Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Monica, and they always will be, because they’re the ones with a hit TV show. 

Ralph Macchio – Daniel LaRusso, The Karate Kid

After three Karate Kid movies, and six seasons of its highly successful spinoff Cobra Kai, you’d be silly not to think that Ralph Macchio will always be remembered for playing Daniel LaRusso. 

Linda Hamilton – Sarah Connor, The Terminator

Linda Hamilton played Sarah Connor in The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator: Dark Fate. She’s beloved for portraying the protagonist in this sci-fi franchise, and she’s synonymous with this series that she starred in alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Chris Hemsworth – Thor, Thor

While many Marvel actors have become synonymous with their characters, one who really stands out is Chris Hemsworth and Thor. Physically, the Australian actor perfectly embodies the God of Thunder, and throughout his time playing the character he added an unexpected sense of humor to the role – especially post-Thor: Ragnarok – that he’ll be remembered forever for. 

Kristen Stewart – Bella Swan, Twilight

Twilight, the debate about Team Edward vs. Team Jacob and Kristen Stewart’s Bella Swan took over the zeitgeist between 2008-2012. To this day, while she’s gone on to star in incredible films like Spencer and Love Lies Bleeding, the role that made her a household name is one of the parts she’ll always be remembered for. 

Heath Ledger – The Joker, The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger is widely regarded as the best Joker, because of his commanding performance as the legendary Batman villain in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. This movie was also one of his last before his untimely death, and he won a posthumous Oscar for his incredible take on the infamous big bad. 

Millie Bobby Brown – Eleven, Stranger Things

Millie Bobby Brown has made quite a few successful films, like the Enola Holmes movies. However, it’s undeniable that the role that will define her career is Eleven in Stranger Things. She was only 12 when she started playing the mysterious super-powered human, and over the course of the show’s five-season run, both she and the ensemble of the Netflix series, have become pop culture icons because of the show. 

William Shatner – Captain Kirk, Star Trek

If you take a look at the four projects listed at the top of William Shatner’s IMDb page, all of them are Star Trek movies where he played Captain Kirk. The man starred in seven films and a long-running TV show as the beloved captain, so of course it’s what he’s best known for. 

Michael J. Fox – Marty McFly, Back to the Future

From Family Ties to Teen Wolf, Michael J. Fox and his shows and movies were ‘80s staples. However, there’s no denying that the project he’ll always be remembered for is Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future. To this day, the project is considered one of the best ‘80s movies, and Fox is still beloved for playing the charismatic, funny and heroic Marty McFly. 

Reese Witherspoon – Elle Woods, Legally Blonde 

In the over two decades since Legally Blonde’s release, so many have been inspired to pursue their dreams and wear lots and lots of pink. That’s because Elle Woods truly left an amazing mark on the zeitgeist, and it’s because of Reese Witherspoon’s heartfelt, funny and preppy performance as the incredible lawyer-in-training. 

As Elle Woods would say, “What like it’s hard” to create one of the best characters and movies of the 2000s? 

Jon Hamm – Don Draper, Mad Men

While Jon Hamm is a wicked comedic actor, and he’s starred in a myriad of fun movies, nothing will ever come close to Mad Men. For 92 episodes, Hamm led the Mad Men cast as Don Draper – which he took an Emmy home for in 2015 – and he’ll always be recognized for playing the charismatic creative director of Sterling Cooper.

Judy Garland – Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a film that has raised generations of kids since 1939, and it’s still a family classic. So, when you lead a beloved musical like that, as Judy Garland did, and it remains relevant and loved for over eight decades, obviously, the role you’ll always be known for is that one. 

David Tennant – The Doctor, Doctor Who

While everyone who has played the titular timelord on Doctor Who is known for that role specifically, David Tennant is a fan-favorite Doctor, and it’s single-handedly the project he’s best known for. While he’s dabbled in many other critically acclaimed projects, like Good Omens and Broadchurch, he is and always will be the beloved actor who graced our screens as the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors first and foremost. 

Anthony Hopkins – Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of the Lambs

Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest horror movies of all time, and it’s in part thanks to Anthony Hopkins' truly terrifying cannibal Hannibal Lecter. In fact, his character became so popular that it inspired three more movies and a TV show. 

Sarah Jessica Parker – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

I’m sure Carrie Bradshaw inspired many women to become writers, and I know she left many of us fantasizing about living out our lives in New York City. Sarah Jessica Parker truly slayed the role, and her own sense of style and charismatic personality meshed perfectly with Carrie. Along with playing the writer in the OG series Sex and the City, SJP has also portrayed her in two movies and the series And Just Like That. 

Emilia Clarke – Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones 

Khaleesi, Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, those are all the names Emilia Clarke’s dragon rider went by in Game of Thrones, and she gave an absolutely commanding performance as her. While her ending wasn’t what most wanted, there’s no denying how amazing it was to see Daenerys rise from a woman trying to survive to a powerful leader, and that’s because of how brilliant Clarke was in the role. 

Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker, Star Wars

He was the face of the original trilogy, and you can’t think about Star Wars without thinking about Mark Hamill and Luke Skywalker. While the actor is well-known for other roles, especially in the world of voice acting, his most prominent part has to be this. 

Gal Gadot – Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman

Sadly, there aren’t many superhero movies led by women. However, luckily, we do have a few wonderful ones, and that includes Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. She played the beloved hero with so much grace, poise and strength, and she’ll 100% always be remembered for it. 

Obviously, while all these actors have played other prominent roles in well-known movies and shows, there’s no question that when we consider their legacies, these parts will be the first ones we think about. They’re that iconic, and we have these performers to thank for them. 

When I think of Arya Stark from Game of Thrones I think about her heroic journey, the incredible action she was involved in and some of GOT’s most violent deaths. Someone who is not on my mind in the slightest when I think of Maisie Williams' time on the fantasy epic is Sarah Jessica Parker, yes you read that correctly. However, for the actress who played the young Stark in the Game of Thrones cast the Sex and the City star and her perfume are deeply connected to her time on the HBO drama. 

So, while chatting with Williams about playing Catherine Dior in the 2024 TV schedule’s historical drama The New Look, she told me the sweet story behind why SJP’s scent brings her back to this pivotal time in her life. 

If you have done any research on Catherine Dior, you’ll quickly learn that she was believed to be the inspiration for Christian Dior’s perfume Miss Dior, as Vogue wrote. So, when I had the chance to speak with Maisie Williams about playing the designer's younger sister in Apple TV+’s The New Look, I asked if there was a special scent in her life that carries significant meaning. Her answer connected back to her days on Game of Thrones in a fun way as she told me:

Scent memories can be super impactful, and in an instant, a smell can transport you back to a specific time in your life. Personally, I love that it’s Sarah Jessica Parker’s perfume Lovely that does this for Williams. While she didn’t mention if she’s a fan of Sex and The City or And Just Like That… SJP's product obviously made a huge impact on the young actress, and now whenever she smells it, it takes her right back to the 2010s and her time on Game of Thrones. 

Maisie Williams was only 14 years old when she started working on Game of Thrones. It was her first role ever, and to this day her portrayal of Arya Stark is considered iconic. The actress literally grew up on the sets of the HBO fantasy epic, and like her character, she matured and got stronger before our eyes. 

Transitioning away from Game of Thrones was a struggle for Williams after it ended in 2019. However, now she’s thriving. In 2021 she started her podcast Frank Film Club with Maisie Williams, which is still happening, and in 2022 she starred in the min-series Pistol. Now, she’s helping lead The New Look alongside her co-star and GOT super-fan Ben Mendelsohn as well as powerhouses Juliette Binoche and John Malkovich. 

Now, maybe the Miss Dior scent can bring Maisie Williams back to her work on one of Apple TV+’s best shows of late, while Sarah Jessica Parker’s perfume continues to remind her of her legendary days on Game of Thrones. 

HBO has always been a hub for quality TV content, the type that's able to push boundaries thanks to being apart from network and cable rules. One of its biggest shows of all time was Sex and the City, which inspired two movies and now a spinoff. The HBO Max series And Just Like That has been making a ton of headlines since the premiere killed off Mr. Big, and the first two seasons were super popular. Here's what we know about And Just Like That Season 3.

This is one of the best Max original shows in my opinion, offering a rare chance for women of a certain age to take center stage as compelling, complicated characters. While some people hate watch AJLT, its numbers are good enough that Season 3 was ordered by the streamer. And the generations of Sex and the City fans (myself included) are ready to be back with our gals in the city that never sleeps. But what do we actually know about its next installment of episodes? Let's break it all down.

What Is The And Just Like That Season 3 Premiere Date?

Of course, the biggest question surrounding the third season of And Just Like That is exactly when it's finally going to arrive for those with a Max subscription. Unfortunately, there is no release date for AJLT Season 3 just yet. But we do have a rough estimation, as a teaser released by Max in early December 2023 revealed it's expected to arrive sometime in 2025.

The delay in the new season is presumably related to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes, which both lasted a number of months and set countless TV and film projects behind. The show's third installment couldn't be written during this time, which explains why 2025 is the current estimation for Season 3. Although to be fair, there were a few years in between the first two seasons as well. Back in May, Sarah Jessica Parker posted an Image on Instagram signaling the beginning of film. Check it out below:

Sarah Jessica Parker And The Main Cast Are Expected To Return

While fans are left to wonder about Kim Cattrall's possible role in And Just Like That Season 3, the show's main cast of characters are expected to return. That includes our beloved three OGs: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis. The series also introduced new major characters: Nicole Ari Parker's Lisa Todd Wexley, and Sarita Choudhury's Seema Patel. Unfortunately, it was reported that Sara Ramirez's infamous Che Diaz was dropped for Season 3. And more recently, it was confirmed by Deadline that Karen Pittman wouldn't be returning as Nya Wallace.

The show's starring cast also includes a number of husbands, friends, and colleagues for these ladies. The cast includes familiar Sex and the City faces like Mario Cantone, Evan Handler, and David Eigenberg. John Corbett's Aidan Shaw returned for Season 2, and the finale twist hinted that he'll be back. That's not counting any number of guest stars who might appear in Season 3. Speaking of which: EW confirmed that Patti Lupone will appear and have an arc on the forthcoming season.

Will Kim Cattrall Return For Another Samantha Cameo?

A huge question that's been surrounding And Just Like That since its inception has been Kim Cattrall's role as Samantha Jones. Cattrall was noticeably absent throughout the first season, with she and Sarah Jessica Parker having a well-known feud behind the scenes. Samantha and Carrie's relationship was still a huge part of the show's first season, despite the two actresses never working together.

But Cattrall ended up filming a cameo for AJLT's Season 2 finale, which was short but thrilled fans. Now that she officially returned as Samantha Jones, fans are wondering if we might get more of her in the show's third season. It's currently unclear whether or not that'll happen, but an olive branch seems to have been extended. Besides, Cattrall made a ton of money for her quick phone call sequence.

How Did Season 2 Of AJLT End?

The final two episodes of And Just Like That's second season revolved around Carrie selling her apartment, and buying a family-sized home that could fit Aidan and his children. But after his son Wyatt got into a car crash, he decided to move back home to Virginia and put his relationship with Carrie on a five-year long pause. FIVE YEARS.

The last we saw Carrie she was with Seema on a fabulous trip to Greece, but her relationship status definitely feels like it's in limbo. Five years is a long time to wait for Aidan, especially since they'd only recently gotten back together. I'm also eager to see what Miranda's love life looks like in a post-Che world, and am glad to see her thriving professionally.

Has And Just Like That Season 3 Started Filming?

While all of us And Just Like That fans want to be back having brunch with the ladies soon, we might have to be patient and go back to re-watching the Sex and the City cast in both of the shows. Luckily, filming has even begun on Season 3 of the dramedy series.

This timeline is understandable given how long the WGA strike lasted, during which time the industry came to a halt. Filming a series is no easy feat, and it'll no doubt take time to coordinate cast schedules once cameras are ready to roll. Luckily that process finally began this summer.

Where Will And Just Like That Season 3 Air?

While And Just Like That Season 3 is rumored to be hitting sometime in 2025, we're still waiting on some official news from the network. Speaking of which, where exactly will the upcoming new episodes air? While Sex and the City was a mainstay of HBO, And Just Like That airs exclusively on Max, formerly known as HBO Max. It's a streaming show, so fans who want to see the latest story from this beloved universe will require a subscription. Considering how much these characters are beloved, there are plenty of fans who will throw out that cash easily.

Since it's premiere, And Just Like That has quickly become one of the most popular
and best shows on Max. It's unclear how long it's going to run, but it definitely feels like it could have legs on the streaming service. New characters like Che and Seema have found their footing, which has buoyed the series and plot lines from our beloved OGs. Hopefully, Season 3 of AJLT arrives sooner rather than later. In the meantime, check out the TV premiere list to plan your next binge watch.

Ohio is a proud state that has produced some of the most famous stars in America. Actors, comedians, musicians, and more, Ohio has it all. Here is our list of some of the most popular stars born in the great state of Ohio. 

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is pure Ohio. Not only was John Wick: Chapter 3 star born in Cleveland but she's even named after a local department store, Halle's. Berry grew up in the suburb of Oakwood, just outside the Cleveland city limits, and even attended Cuyahoga Community College while she was first starting her career toward fame. Before starring in some of Hollywood's biggest movies, Berry represented her home state in the Miss USA contest, after being named Miss Ohio USA in 1986. 

Luke Perry

Luke Perry found fame playing a high school student at the posh West Beverly High, but his beginnings were much more humble. The son of a steelworker, Perry was born in the Ohio town of Mansfield and raised in a tiny burg called Fredericktown, where he attended high school at Fredericktown High School. He moved to Los Angeles after graduating and while it took a few years, he landed his big break in Beverly Hills, 90210. Perry died tragically from a stroke in 2019.

Drew Carey

No one on this list is more proud to be from Ohio than Price Is Right host Drew Carey. It's clear that his Cleveland roots mean a lot to him, given that his show, The Drew Carey Show, was set in Cleveland, with a theme song called "Cleveland Rocks." Not only did the comedian grow up in Cleveland, he also attended Kent State in Ohio and even served in the Marine Corps reserves in the state before moving west to find fame. 

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1978 and has always remained a proud Ohioan. She attended Catholic school as a kid and began modeling in Toledo while still in high school. That led to opportunities in New York City, which led to her landing her first film role at 19 in Ang Lee's The Ice Storm (1997). Soon after, she joined the cast of Dawson's Creek and the rest is history. 

John Legend

The Voice judge John Legend was born in the central Ohio town of Springfield. Legend was a true prodigy during his upbringing. He was dabbling in music at a young age, before leaving Ohio to attend the University of Pennsylvania. 

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown took the hard road to fame. Before she landed her starring role on Community, she found her way to success with bit parts and one-offs on TV shows. It all paid off in the end, but before she made it in Hollywood, she was born and raised in the Cleveland, OH area. After high school, she attended the University of Akron and moved to LA after she graduated. 

Clark Gable

There is no bigger star from the Golden Age of Hollywood than Clark Gable. Like many of his fellow Ohioans, he had humble beginnings. Born in 1901 in Cadiz, OH, Gable moved around the state quite a bit before his father and stepmother settled near Akron. Gable struck out on his own, first working in a tire factory in Akron, before bouncing around until he finally ended up in Hollywood in the 1920s. 

Beverly D'Angelo

When you are the granddaughter of the architect who designed the famous Ohio Stadium at The Ohio State University, you know you are pure Ohio. Such is the case for Vacation star Beverly D'Angelo. Unsurprisingly, D'Angelo was born in Columbus and raised in the suburb of Upper Arlington, before setting out on an entertainment career that took her all over North America, before she found success in Hollywood. 

Steve Harvey

Okay, so we're fudging here a little, as beloved talk show host and TV judge Steve Harvey was actually born in West Virginia, but he was raised in Cleveland. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Kent State, before dropping out and starting his standup career in comedy clubs in and around Cleveland. 

Paul Newman

When you think of the words "movie star," there's a good chance you might picture Paul Newman. From the mid-'50s until his death in 2008, the Shaker Heights, OH native was box office gold. He graduated from Shaker Heights High in 1943 and joined the Navy during World War II. He finally headed to LA in the '50s and over the next six decades starred in some of the biggest movies of all time. 

Arsenio Hall

Born in Cleveland in 1956, actor and talk show host Arsenio Hall grew up in nearby Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and attended college at both Ohio University and Kent State. He left Ohio, first for Chicago and later LA, and his career took off with some fantastic roles from there. 

Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller's remarkable life began in Lima, Ohio in 1917. Her roundabout way to comedy legend status started when she was still a full-time mother and homemaker with her military husband in Alameda, CA. She was discovered after she made some appearances on Bay Area radio and TV stations and from there became a star. 

Rachael Harris

Lucifer star Rachael Harris was born in Worthington, OH, and grew up in the Columbus area before attending college at Otterbein University in nearby Westerville, OH. She moved to LA and was a member of the legendary improv group The Groundlings before she started landing TV roles in the 1990s. Today she's best known for Goosebumps (2023) and Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010), in addition to Lucifer. 

Steven Spielberg

In The Fablemans, Ohio native Steven Spielberg tells a fictionalized version of his own life, but one major change was made. In the movie, Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) and his family move from New Jersey to Arizona. In real life, the Spielbergs moved to Phoenix from Cincinnati, Ohio. Though he only lived in Cincinnati for the first ten years or so of his life, there is no doubt that one of the all-time great directors has his roots in Ohio. 

Carmen Electra

Carmen Electra was born just outside of Cincinnati and grew up in the Queen City. She first started dancing and acting at Princeton High School in the Cincinnati school district and her love of doing both led directly to Hollywood where she's been doing both for decades now. 

Doris Day

Though she retired from acting in 1968, Doris Day is still remembered as a legend of old Hollywood. She also recorded almost three dozen albums over her nearly 100-year life. It all started in Cincinnati in 1922 when Day was born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff. Her career started as a singer on a local radio station in Cincinnati, WLW. Her music led her to Hollywood, and a star was born. 

Philip Michael Thomas

Philip Michael Thomas is most famous for starring as Rico Tubbs on the '80s hit Miami Vice. He's also famous for inventing the term "EGOT", claiming in the '80s that he would win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, though he has yet to win any of the prestigious awards. Thomas was born in Cincinnati, but raised in California, where his career began. 

Teri Garr

Though she was raised mostly in Los Angeles, Teri Garr was born near Cleveland, OH, in the suburb of Lakewood. Her parents were entertainers, so it makes sense they would eventually land in Southern California, so while Garr didn't spend much time in Ohio, the state can certainly claim her as one of their own. 

Randy "Macho Man" Savage

Oh yeah! One of the greatest wrestlers of all time came from Columbus, OH. Born Randy Poffo in 1952, the Macho Man and his wrestling brother "Leaping" Lanny Poffo lived in Zanesville, Ohio, until the family moved to the Chicagoland area when Savage was in high school. Though he tried to become a pro baseball player, Savage found fame with the WWE and was a superstar in the sport until he died in 2012. 

Anne Heche

Before her tragic death in 2022, Anne Heche put together an impressive career in Hollywood and broke a lot of barriers when she very publicly dated Ellen DeGeneres. It was a long way from her strict Christian upbringing in Ohio. Heche was born in the Akron suburb of Aurora, Ohio, and also lived near Cleveland for a time before her father moved the family to New Jersey in 1977 when Heche was eight. 

Rob Lowe

Okay, okay, so Rob Lowe was actually born in Virginia, but he moved to Dayton, OH at a very young age and was raised in the Buckeye State. His first gigs as a professional actor came when he was still living in Dayton and as soon as he could, he headed out to Hollywood where he became one of the famous "Brat Pack" in the 1980s. His career had a few bumps in the road, but today he's one of the most beloved stars on the silver screen. 

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker's most famed role is of a dyed-in-the-wool Manhattanite, but the actress was born in a quaint little town near Columbus named Nelsonville, Ohio, with a population of about 5000. Her career as a child actor took her whole family to New York in the 1970s and Parker has never looked back. 

Lili Reinhart

Riverdale star Lili Reinhart was born and raised in the Cleveland area, where she lived until she was 18. After graduating high school, she moved to LA and though she struggled like most young actors, eventually she started landing parts in a few movies, before scoring a starring role on the CW's Riverdale, playing the iconic Betty Cooper. 

Jamie Farr

Jamie Farr's most famous character, Corporal Klinger on one of the highest-rated shows of all time, M*A*S*H, was from Toledo, Ohio, which would have been easy for the actor to remember, as that is where Farr is from too. For decades, Farr's name was associated with the LPGA golf tournament, The Jamie Farr Classic (with various sponsor names over the years). 

Martin Sheen

Born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez in Dayton, OH, The West Wing star Martin Sheen always knew he wanted to be an actor, even growing up in Dayton. Orphaned at eleven, he lived in Dayton until he graduated high school and headed off for New York to make it big, and it's safe to say he has. 

Fred Willard

Comedy legend Fred Willard is responsible for some of the funniest lines in the Christopher Guest family of films, a sense of humor he developed as a kid in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, OH. Born in Cleveland in 1933, Willard moved to New York in the '50s, and though it took a couple of decades to find fame, he eventually did. The world lost a great one when he died in 2020. 

Allison Janney

Though she is technically from Boston, where she was born in 1959, Allison Janney was raised in Dayton. Even her legendary character from The West Wing, CJ Craig, was  from Dayton and went back home in one episode for her high school reunion. 

Katt Williams

Katt Williams, the unpredictable, and hilarious, comedian was born and raised in Cincinnati, but left town and moved to Florida after being emancipated from his parents at age 13. For years he worked the comedy clubs before launching to fame in the late '90s. 

Nancy Cartwright

She might not be the most famous face on this list, but her voice is one of the most famous in the world. Nancy Cartwright has been doing the voice of Bart Simpson (and other Simpsons characters) for more than 30 years, but long before scoring that gig, she grew up in Kettering, Ohio after being born in Dayton.

Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton, star of Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, was born in the Cleveland suburb of Bay Village, OH and she got her bachelor's degree at The Ohio State University. So while she lives in LA and in the UK these days, she's an Ohioan through and through. 

Catherine Bach

It's hard to believe that The Dukes of Hazzard was consistently one of the highest-rated shows during its run in the late '70s and early '80s. It's not hard to believe that Cleveland native Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke in her short shorts was a big reason why it was so popular. 

Rocky Carroll

NCIS star Rocky Carroll is a proud son of Cincinnati, where he attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts for high school like many other stars from the area. After attending college in St. Louis, MO, he moved to New York City to start his career and he's never looked back. 

While it may not jump out as an entertainment hotbed, when you scratch the surface, you'll soon realize just how many celebrities have been born in Ohio, and it's a lot. 

When it was announced that a Sex and the City revival would be made, fans were somewhat disappointed that Kim Cattrall would not be returning as Samantha. Many subsequently wondered if the character would ever make a comeback, especially due to Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker's alleged feud, which others have weighed in on. However, it was recently revealed that Cattrall would actually cameo in the second season of And Just Like That…, but now SJP is opening up about the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be public knowledge. And she's not all that happy about the secret getting leaked early.

The currently airing show, which filming wrapped on it second season back in April, it only a few episodes into its run and is set to air its finale in August. So it would've been easy to assume that the creative team wasn't looking for the plot point to be divulged right now. While appearing on Andy Cohen’s radio show, Radio Andy, Sarah Jessica Parker admitted she was "upset" that Kim Cattrall’s cameo got out and provided a few reasons for her displeasure:

It definitely would've been nice to watch the series and be surprised with Samantha Jones’ brief return, but leaks do happen quite frequently these days. One can understand Sarah Jessica Parker’s feelings about the moment being divulged so soon. As she said, it would've been a fun twist during the season, and viewers would've had not pre-conceived expectations about it.

In January 2021, it was confirmed that Kim Cattrall wouldn’t be in the Sex and the City revival, and original author Candace Bushnell even understood Cattrall’s reasoning for not being in the series. Apparently, the actress conveyed her desire to move on from Samantha. Now that the How I Met Your Father cast member is making her highly-anticipated return though, even Sarah Jessica Parker was excited. That personal investment is surely another reason for her being disappointed with the spoiler getting out.

As of now, Max has yet to renew And Just Like That… for a third season but, if the streamer does give it more episodes, Samantha likely won't return. Kim Cattrall recently told TODAY that the cameo is “as far as” she’ll go, but fans will surely hope that she'll reprise the role again. It’s been 13 years since Sex and the City 2, and a full-on reunion with Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York, and Miranda Hobbs would be great.

No matter how big or small Kim Cattrall’s cameo is on And Just Like That…, it'll just be great to see Samantha and get confirmation that she's still a part of her friends’ lives.  Make sure to sign up for a Max subscription so you can watch Cattrall’s appearance on the show, which drops new episodes on Thursdays as part of the 2023 TV schedule.

When the Sex and the City series And Just Like That… was announced, it was also revealed that Kim Cattrall wouldn’t be joining her former co-stars in the revival. While it was no secret that the actress had some sort of feud with Sarah Jessica Parker, it was quite a shock to find out that she wasn't going to be in the first season. However, now you can see Samantha when you watch And Just Like That Season 2, as Cattrall returns. SJP weighed in on her return. 

There aren't many details about Kim Cattrall’s upcoming cameo. However, Sarah Jessica Parker revealed to ET how she feels about her former co-star coming onboard for a small reprisal, saying:

It has definitely been a long time since Kim Cattrall met up with her Sex and the City co-stars, and Sarah Jessica Parker is not the only one who is excited about it. While there were rumors that the two were feuding, SJP previously denied that she was in a catfight with Cattrall, and it seems like that statement rings true today. 

It’s definitely exciting that Samantha will be reuniting with Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda in some way, especially after all this time. It was unknown if Cattrall would ever appear in the Sex and the City revival, and honestly, it felt odd without her there. However, now the crew will be together again (even if it's just for a short time), and we can't wait for the reunion.

Filming wrapped on And Just Like That… Season 2 in April, and the premiere is scheduled for June 22. As of now, there’s no information on when Cattrall’s cameo will happen or the capacity of it, so fans will just have to tune in to see her little comeback. Hopefully, this cameo will lead to more appearances from the Samantha actress if the series gets renewed for Season 3, but that's just a dream for now. 

Just recently, Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell reacted to Kim Cattrall’s return, saying she was both happy and surprised, admitting that “there was a piece missing” when it came to the revival. Prior to the series premiering, Bushnell also shared her thoughts on Cattrall’s absence, understanding that she wanted to do more than just be Samantha Jones. While And Just Like That… has definitely worked with Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda, now the group of friends will be whole again with Samantha returning, even though it will just be a cameo. 

The first season of And Just Like That… is streaming now with a Max subscription, and Season 2 premiers this Thursday, June 22. Check out the 2023 TV schedule to see what other premieres to look forward to this year.

Nostalgia has been a powerful force in the entertainment industry for years now, with plenty of beloved movie and TV properties returning with new content. Sex and the City fans got to get in on the fun with the HBO Max series And Just Like That, albeit without Kim Cattrall’s fan favorite character Samantha Jones. But the other three ladies came back to our small screen, with some new additions to the cast. And Just Like That has officially wrapped Season 2, see how Sarah Jessica Parker celebrated.

During its first season, the Sex and the City spinoff caught us up with what’s been happening to the group of friends since the events of the second movie. And who can forget the premiere infamously killing off Mr. Big thanks to a Peloton incident. Fans have been patiently awaiting new episodes since And Just Like That was renewed for Season 2, and that seems closer than ever thanks to the sophomore installment wrapping principal photography. SJP took to Instagram to share the news, planting a smooch on co-star Nicole Ari Parker in the process. Check it out below: 

There you have. Photography Season 2 of the SATC spinoff has officially been completed, and now all we have to do is wait for the editing process before new episodes begin airing on for those with an HBO Max subscription. (Or should I simply refer to it as Max?) And it looks like Parker had a great time at the wrap party, while also taking the time to thank the cast and crew for making the upcoming season possible. 

Nicole Ari Parker was one of the new faces to who joined the franchise in the first season of And Just Like That. She plays Lisa Todd Wexley, who is a friend of Charlotte’s thanks to their kids taking piano lessons together. She became a larger character as the season went on, and I’m eager to see how she and her fellow newcomers factor into the new story coming in Season 2.

Of course, there was one AJLT newcomer who made far more headlines than the rest throughout the course of Season 1. Namely Grey’s Anatomy alum Sara Ramirez as Che Diaz, a comedian whose romantic connection with Miranda resulted in Cynthia Nixon’s character discovering her queerness. While some fans are hoping Ramirez might return to Grey’s, they’ll return to the small screen in the second season of the Sex and the City spinoff. Che was made into countless memes throughout the first season, with the internet particularly poking fun at the character’s marijuana use and lack of actual comedy in their stand-up. We’ll just have to see if Season 2 helps change this perspective at all.

Regardless, it’ll no doubt be thrilling to see Sarah Jessica Parker once again play her signature character alongside Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. Will Carrie Bradshaw actually find love after being widowed? We’ll have to wait and see whenever the show returns to Max.

The first season of And Just Like That, as well as the Sex and the City series, are streaming now. Be sure to check out the TV premiere list to plan your next binge watch.

Since Hocus Pocus 2 hit Disney+ this past weekend, the return of the Sanderson sisters has been the talk of the Halloween season. The movie has become the streaming service’s most successful original ever. Also, fans of the original have been raving about it, saying it’s a “wicked good time” and “worth the wait” 29 years after Hocus Pocus. However, one mother of three who resides in Central Texas has recently gone viral for warning families off of viewing the new release. 

Jamie Gooch initially took to Facebook to share her thoughts about Hocus Pocus 2, but the post has since been removed. However, the Texas mom spoke to KWTX about her thoughts regarding the Disney+ original film. She warned viewers of “a worst-case scenario” that it could “unleash hell on your kids and in your home.” Here are more of her thoughts: 

Gooch and her family do not participate in Halloween and are a family of the Christian faith. The woman who resides in Troy, Texas said they have not participated in the October holiday for four or five years, sharing that the “thought of exposing our kids to darkness”  “grieves” her. Following the viral moment, another happened shortly after when a parody of the original video by Jimmy Kimmel Live! writer Blaire Erskine blew up, via Twitter:

The Texas woman initially had warnings to share about Hocus Pocus 2, but she also delved into a larger issue she believes is at play in regard to what people choose to bring to their homes through their TV screens. While Gooch is certainly receiving her share of laughs and side-eyes from fans of Hocus Pocus and Halloween, she shared that “a lot of people agreed” with her too. 

Overall, Gooch hopes her words will “make a difference” even to “one person’s life.” While she gets that many people won’t "understand" her views, the Texas mom said in her view, as a Christian “we are held to a higher standard.” Disney was reached out for comment on Gooch’s concerns, but has not issued any replies. 

Hocus Pocus 2 sees the return of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters after the first movie became a staple for families during the Halloween season. (Unfortunately, Thora Birch is not among the returning cast). Though the movie certainly could have made money in theaters, it went straight to Disney+ subscribers and has become a massive hit. 

You can check out one of our writer's own thoughts about tuning into Hocus Pocus 2 here on CinemaBlend. You can also see what upcoming horror movies are heading to theaters and streaming this spooky season, for those who partake in the Halloween season. 

Someone must have put some sort of time-warp spell on all of us because it is hard to believe that nearly three decades have passed since Hocus Pocus was first released in theaters. It is even harder to believe that a sequel to the spooky, funny cult classic is now available with a Disney+ subscription.

While it is great to see Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker on the Hocus Pocus 2 cast reprising their roles as the Sanderson Sisters, as well as Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson, a part of us wishes that we could we see more stars from the original film make an appearance. Well, at least we can give you a glimpse at what the classic Hocus Pocus cast looks like now by swiping through the slideshow below.

The Sanderson Sisters are back, and just in time for Halloween, albeit 29 years after the original movie became an annual fall tradition. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker have reprised their roles, and are joined by some pretty great new cast additions, including Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, Whitney Peak and more. Anticipation is through the roof ahead of its September 30th release to those with a Disney+ subscription, and the reviews are in to give us a sense of what to expect and see how the sequel ties into the first movie.

First reactions to the Hocus Pocus sequel were overwhelmingly positive, as it seems Winnie, Mary and Sarah Sanderson are summoned back to Salem by three high school students via black flame candle. The witches are hungry for revenge and, presumably, children. So let’s see what the critics are saying, starting with the CinemaBlend review of Hocus Pocus 2. Our own Mike Reyes rates the film 3.5 stars out of 5, saying it doesn’t miss a beat bringing back the magic. While this movie isn’t as dark as the original, it’s just as funny, he says: 

Jude Dry of IndieWire grades the film a B-, saying the sequel is satisfying enough for those who rewatch the original Hocus Pocus each fall. The plot and the jokes are basically the same as the first time around, but you really can’t go wrong with the caliber of talent the three stars bring to the screen. The critic says:

Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting rates the sequel 3.5 skulls out of 5, also noting that the Sanderson Sisters aren’t quite as menacing this time around, but they still have that magical touch, and the trio of professionals slip back into these iconic roles easily. More from the review: 

Lovia Gyarkye of THR says Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are electric, with their scenes being the most enjoyable in the movie, even though — as other critics have also noted — the characters have been softened. The film struggles a little in how to honor the OG movie while still progressing the story, but the end product is still satisfactory, the writer says: 

Maggie Lovitt of Collider gives Hocus Pocus 2 a B+, also noting that the lead trio is an absolute delight to see reunited. The sequel is full of nostalgia, relaying messages about friendship and sisterhood. The critic says: 

Brian Truitt of USA TODAY, however, calls the sequel “wretched,” rating it just 1.5 out of 4 stars. He says the Sanderson sisters are more filler than killer in this follow-up, but that the younger trio aren’t given the character development they need either: 

If you’ve been looking forward to adding Hocus Pocus 2 to your annual watch list, you don’t have to wait much longer! The sequel is set to hit Disney+ on Friday, September 30. And with October knocking on our doors, check out our list of upcoming horror movies. You can also see what else is coming soon to theaters with our 2022 Movie Release Schedule.

The time is finally upon us: Hocus Pocus 2 — the sequel fans have been wanting for nearly 30 years — is mere days away from making its release to those with a Disney+ subscription. The Sanderson Sisters are back, along with some additions to the Hocus Pocus universe, and while fans might be missing some of the original stars, it should also be exciting to see what actors like Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson and more can add to the franchise. There are some who have the answer to that too, as the film has screened, and people are taking to Twitter to share their first reactions to the long-awaited sequel. 

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker have reprised their iconic witchy roles, as the first trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 shows a new trio of protagonists lighting the black flame candle while trying to perform their own magic, thus summoning the dastardly sisters. Let’s take a look at the social media reactions, starting with CinemaBlend’s Mike Reyes. He tweets that this sequel is definitely worth the wait, as it is focused on providing fresh stories rather than simply replaying what worked the first time around: 

As well as feeling fresh, as noted above, the movie also appears to pay homage to those who have made Hocus Pocus rewatches an annual fall event. Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky tweets that fans will love the callbacks, and should expect some tugging of the heartstrings as well: 

For those looking forward to seeing Doug Jones’ return as Billy Butcherson, it sounds like Hocus Pocus 2 might delve more into his story. Check out what critic Ashley Saunders has to say:

How many fans are ready for the Sanderson Sisters to “put a spell on you” again? Josh Jones said the sequel includes more great musical numbers: 

Movie Gossip agrees that the soundtrack is “gorgeous,” and, like others who have screened the film, mentions they weren’t expecting the emotional notes: 

Maggie Lovitt of Collider has great things to say about the cast additions, and says this sequel is as good as the original: 

Josh Ryan of Fandom Wire says get ready for a new fall tradition, as the sequel finds the balance between keeping what endeared audiences to the first movie, while still evolving for viewers three decades later: 

It sounds like those who have been excited for this one can go ahead and keep their hopes up, because the reactions to the screening are overwhelmingly positive. Hocus Pocus 2 is not scheduled for a theatrical release, so call up all your friends to organize a watch party on Disney+, as the movie will be available for streaming on Friday, September 30. Also be sure to check out our full list of upcoming Disney movies, along with all the upcoming horror movies coming up to feed your spooky season appetites. 

When it comes to modern day shows, there are plenty that excel at casting great guest stars, and one of my personal favorites is Glee. Though there have been other shows with awesome guest stars, such as 30 Rock, or The Office, I really don’t think any other modern television show was as good as Glee (created by TV royalty, Ryan Murphy) at giving us great guest appearances.

While the show had its good and not-so-good moments, the guest stars were always some of the best parts of the series. Today, we’re going to go over the twelve best Glee guest stars that we seriously can’t stop thinking about, even more than a decade after the show debuted. 

Neil Patrick Harris

I have to put Neil Patrick Harris on here first, because he's one of my favorites to speak about. In the Season 1 episode of Glee, “Dream On,” Harris shows up as a former rival to Will Schuester, and wow what a performance. I always knew Harris was talented in musical theater and singing - as he has starred on Broadway and done other amazing things - but his time in Glee was something else. 

He managed to go toe-to-toe with Matthew Morrison while singing a cover of “Dream On” and jeez, I still listen to it years later, because I just can’t believe that Neil Patrick Harris hit that high note. He ended up winning an Emmy Award for his guest performance, so you know it was good. Such a talented star.

Kristin Chenoweth 

Another Season 1 guest star was Kristin Chenoweth. The actress is a Broadway legend, and has currently been in many things on television such as Disney’s Descendants series, as well as being a part of the Schimigadoon! cast. But watching the Season 1 episode, “The Rhodes Not Taken,” was something else, and hearing her version of “Maybe This Time” is just astounding. 

Her character, Amber Rhodes, would return for subsequent episodes, but nothing beats her first appearance on the show. 

Britney Spears

Talk about a legendary guest star. In one of Glee’s more popular episodes, “Britney/Brittany,” the pop princess herself, Britney Spears, ended up making an appearance in several of the kids' dream sequences as they were getting their teeth done and were put on laughing gas. 

While Spears didn’t have many lines, just seeing her show up in these musical sequences alongside the rest of the Glee cast was truly amazing, and I loved the moments where she would have interactions with the others. I wish she'd spoken more. 

John Stamos 

Also appearing for the first time in “Britney/Brittany” was legendary TV actor John Stamos. You might know Stamos from his iconic role as Uncle Jesse in the family sitcom, Full House, but in Glee, he ended up playing Carl in Season 2, a love interest for Emma (Jayma Mays). He doesn’t have many singing scenes, but there’s no denying that his charisma is there in full effect, and I loved it so much. 

He would also show up in later episodes, as well, until his relationship with Emma ended, but what a time to be alive and watch him on Glee. 

Idina Menzel 

Idina Menzel has been famous since her starring roles in hit musicals like Maureen Johnson in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked, the latter of which she won a Tony Award for. She later gained even more fame when she voiced Elsa in both Frozen and Frozen 2 and annoyed parents everywhere as their children kept listening to “Let It Go.” Let’s hope a Frozen 3 happens.

However, for her guest role on Glee, she actually played Rachel’s (Lea Michele) biological mother, Shelby Corcoran. She first showed up in the Season 1 episode, “Hell-O,” and while the beginning of them getting to know each other was rocky, as Idina Menzel was literally coaching Rachel’s competitors, they did end up on the right foot eventually. 

Together, they performed several amazing songs together. My personal favorite was “Poker Face,” where it’s not as fast as the original song by Lady Gaga, but a slow ballad that seems to blend both their powerhouse voices so well. Menzel did appear in several episodes – and even had a relationship with a student in Season 3 that I don’t want to talk about – but after that, she was nowhere to be seen. 

I still wish she had come around again during Seasons 5 or 6 when Rachel was having problems in her life, but it’s not the end of the world. I know she was out doing star-studded things. 

Demi Lovato 

Season 5 of Glee was, ah, something. 

It’s funny, because I was never a big fan of the show when it was at its height. I actually binged the first three seasons on Netflix and became a fan around Season 4
– and I really liked Season 4, just for the fact that I was a New Yorker and liked that they took the show there. But Season 5 was, um…not as great. 

However, the guest stars in Season 5 of Glee were top notch, and while I could talk about one who really rocked my socks off, Adam Lambert, I’m going to instead devote this section to Demi Lovato’s guest role, Dani. 

While Lovato wasn’t in the show for super long, her character was essential to Santana’s (Naya Rivera) development after she'd just broken up with Brittany in Season 4 and needed to move on with her life and try and find new experiences  – and Dani was that new experience. Their cover of “Here Comes The Sun” always gives me chills. 

Season 5 wasn’t super great, but that cover most certainly was. 

Olivia Newton-John

It’s sad as I write this because Olivia Newton-John, who is primarily known for her role as Sandy in the Grease cast and her astounding music career, passed away in 2022. However, I can still look back on her best roles and think that her guest spot in Glee was truly iconic. 

She first showed up in the Season 1 episode, “Bad Reputation,” where I got to see her do the best cover of her song “Physical” ever, alongside the one and only Jane Lynch. But, she also shows up again as a judge in “Journey to Regionals” at the end of the season, still looking just as great as ever. It’s always fun to rewatch her role on the show.

Gwyneth Paltrow 

Gwyneth Paltrow first showed up in the Season 2 episode, “The Substitute” as Holly Holliday, and forever changed my life. While she was subbing for Will Schuster for the glee club when he was sick, her cover of “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)” had me screaming in joy as a kid and I loved watching her perform. 

Her character was so loved that she ended up making an appearance at the live Glee concerts they were doing at the time. She also won an Emmy for her role in the show  – one she very much deserved. 

Kate Hudson 

Like I said, I actually really enjoyed Season 4 of Glee. And I feel like a lot of people don’t give Kate Hudson’s time on the show enough credit, because this woman performed her butt off. Playing Rachel’s overbearing and condescending dance instructor at NYADA, Cassandra July, Hudson was able to bring just the right amount of sass and boldness to match Rachel’s energy, and I loved it. 

Seriously. Her cover of “All That Jazz” with Rachel is one of my personal favorites. She may not be everyone’s favorite guest star but I truly enjoyed her time on the show. She appeared in several episodes in Season 4, but I wanted to see her again. 

Whoopi Goldberg

The legend, Whoopi Goldberg, decided to grace Glee fans with her presence in both Season 3, Season 4, and Season 5 in sporadic guest roles throughout. She played Carmen Tibideaux, the Dean of Vocal Performance at NYADA and the person who gave Rachel a chance to come to the school after she bombed at her college audition in Season 3, and then got in thanks to their Nationals-winning performance. 

Carmen, while hard on people at first, is someone I could totally respect, because she truly cared about the art of music. She wasn’t about to let in anyone who didn’t deserve it, and she made sure everyone knew. The ones she did let in would work their butts off to try and impress her. I mean, it’s Whoopi Goldberg, how can you not try and impress her? I’ll always be upset they never brought her back, but once Rachel left NYADA, I suppose it's understandable that we never saw her again. 

Sarah Jessica Parker

In my personal opinion, Sarah Jessica Parker was always one of the guest cast members who felt underutilized on Glee, because I actually did enjoy her part on the show. Parker, who is known for plenty of roles, including her famous lead part in the Sex and the City cast, plays Isabelle Wright, an executive at Vogue who gives Kurt a job as an assistant.

While the idea of Kurt getting a job as a fashion assistant at Vogue with no prior experience is laughable, there’s no denying that Parker is amazing in her role here. She was amazing in the cover of “The Way You Look Tonight/You’re Never Fully Dressed,” and I loved her performance of “At The Ballet.” She was a great special guest star. 

Ricky Martin

Last but not least, we have a singing legend, Ricky Martin. This singer showed up in the Season 3 episode, “The Spanish Teacher,” who was acting as Will’s night-school teacher so he could learn better Spanish. But, Will took him to the glee club that week when he decides to give the songs a Spanish music theme. 

Let me tell you, you have not lived until you've heard Ricky Martin, of all people, sing LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It,” partially in Spanish. This was an awakening for me  – and an ick at the same time, because I did not need to see Finn try to do a body roll. Either way, it was an experience to remember and one that I’m sure I’m not going to forget for a long time. 

Glee aired its last episode seven years ago, which still feels crazy to think about, and the cast has now done many other things. But, I can still look back on this show and think of all the fun I had with these guest stars – and enjoy the heck out of their covers on my playlist. 

After 29 years, the Sanderson sisters are finally coming back, and their return is anticipated with tremendous excitement (albeit perhaps not by the residents of Salem, Massachusetts that they plan to cast their dastardly spells on). Fans of the original Hocus Pocus have spent decades requesting a sequel starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and at long last Hocus Pocus 2 will be premiering this fall. There are great expectation for wonderful and creepy on-screen magic in the movie – and executive producer Adam Shankman makes it sound like there was plenty of magic on the set of the sequel as well.

Shankman recently got the opportunity to hype audiences for Hocus Pocus 2 via an interview with People, and it seems his primary mode of doing so was celebrating the reunion of the movie's three biggest stars/antagonists. The filmmaker essentially likened Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy being back together as a kind of time travel, and it sounds like it didn't take any effort whatsoever for them to recreate their characters' wonderful dynamic. Said Shankman,

Just looking at the image from Hocus Pocus 2 at the top of this article is somewhat surreal, as the brilliant costuming and make-up perfectly illustrate the idea that no time at all has passed for these characters. Hopefully someone was running a camera behind the scenes when all three of them first arrived on set in full wardrobe as Winifred, Sarah and Mary, and hopefully we'll get to enjoy that footage either before or after the sequel's arrival. (One would expect it to be just as wholesome as Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy's trailer reaction video)

Directed by Anne Fletcher, Hocus Pocus 2 is a real-time sequel in the sense that the story will pick up 29 years after the heroes from the original lit the legendary Black Flame candle and then defeated the Sanderson sisters (stopping them from magically stealing the youth from the children of Salem). Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo will play a new trio of teenagers who accidentally resurrect the terrible witches, and the responsibility falls to stop their nefarious plotting before it's too late. 

The debut teaser trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 landed online last month, and you can give it a watch below:

In addition to featuring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, Doug Jones is back reprising his role as the undead Billy Butcherson, and new cast members include Tony Hale and Sam Richardson. You can learn more about the new Hocus Pocus movie with our Quick Things guide.

Hocus Pocus 2 will be premiere online on September 30, but don't wait until then to pick up a Disney+ subscription. You can not only watch the first movie to prepare for the sequel, but there are plenty of other great original and classic Disney films on the streaming service.

To discover all of the new movies heading to theaters and streaming between now and the end of December, head over to our 2022 Movie Release Calendar. 

The Sanderson Sisters are back with Hocus Pocus 2 and looking better than ever! Seriously, it feels like it hasn’t been 29 years since the last time these Salem witches rose from the ground. The spooky trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 has just come out with the most wholesome reactions from the original cast who are coming back as the Sanderson Sisters.

The plot of Hocus Pocus 2 is similar to the plot of the previous film where a group of kids attempts to revive the Sanderson Sisters on Halloween Night thinking it’s not going to work, only for them to be fooled when they come back to life. Walt Disney Pictures released a video where the original Hocus Pocus cast shared their reactions to the newly released trailer. Take a look:

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy had the most praiseworthy reactions watching the trailer of their new movie with a ton of laughs and thunderous applause at the end. The Beaches actress called the look of the black flame candle “fabulous” and all three of them loved the tagline “some legends never die.” You can tell that these three on-screen sisters took pride in their newest Halloween flick together.

So, here’s what we know so far about the long-awaited Hocus Pocus sequel. You can watch the Sanderson sisters flying to your TV screen on your Disney+ subscription this Fall. And apparently, we have the seal of approval from Bette Midler about the sequel’s “pretty great” plot. So even if it ends up being a rehash of the first movie, I assume we’ll still get some fresh new elements added to the story. Hocus Pocus 2 may not have Kenny Ortega coming back to direct, but Anne Fletcher will be filling in those shoes who’s directed Step Up, The Proposal, and Dumplin’. So I guarantee this choreographer/director will give the film the wholesome Disney tone that the original fantasy-comedy film had.

As for who you should expect to return for the spooktacular sequel, it’s a given that the original wicked trio who played the Sanderson Sisters is coming back. It doesn’t appear that Vinessa Shaw who played Allison in Hocus Pocus will be making an appearance as well as Omri Katz who played Max. Thora Birch was originally supposed to come back as an adult Dani, but she had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. However, we will see the return of Doug Jones a.k.a. fan-favorite character Billy the zombie.

You, of course, can’t have a sequel without new additions. Veep star Sam Richardson joined the cast as well as Gossip Girls revival Whitney Peak, Brat TV’s Lilia Buckingham, and Blue Beetle’s Belissa Escobedo to play the high school students. Expect to see some Drag Race queens make an appearance as well as Arrested Development’s Tony Hale and Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham to round up the updated cast list.

Now that you’ve seen the trailer reactions from the OGs, this should convince you enough to add Hocus Pocus 2 to your watchlist this Fall. See for yourself the movie in full as Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus 2 comes back to your screens on September 30th. 

While there are countless Christmas movies, there are far less surrounding the festival events of Halloween. But then there's Disney's 1993 fan favorite flick Hocus Pocus. Generations were brought up on the campy classic, and so the news of a sequel with the original cast broke the internet. The first Hocus Pocus 2 trailer has brought back the Sanderson Sisters, so guard your children and draw a circle of salt around you.

Not much is known about the contents of Hocus Pocus 2, but it's expected to hit Disney+ in time for the titular Holiday. As you can see above, the first trailer revealed the release date as September 30th, while also featuring some limited footage of the great Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Bring on the musical numbers! Let's break down what we're being shown here. 

The first footage from Hocus Pocus 2 focuses on the new young protagonists who will seemingly be facing off agains the Sanderson Sisters throughout the streaming project's mysterious runtime. The trio is played by Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham and Belissa Escobedo. They attempt to use magic themselves, and end up lighting the infamous black flame candle in the process. And just like that (lol) the witches return.

That's when the three returning iconic actresses pop up for a brief but thrilling scene in Hocus Pocus 2's teaser. The pair are asked if they're looking for the stage, resulting in Winnie saying "always" as her sisters smile in response. It's limited footage, but that doesn't make it any less thrilling. After all, their performance of "I Put A Spell On You" is one oft he most iconic moments from the original 1993 movie. 

With Hocus Pocus 2 just a few months away from its streaming release, it makes sense that Disney+ might be kickstarting the movie's marketing campaign. In addition to the trailer, there was also a cool looking poster shared, as you can see below.

You know you've played an iconic role when just your silhouette is recognizable. That's certainly the case for Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy who seemingly slipped right back into their characters as Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson respectively. While the footage is limited and the details of Hocus Pocus' sequel are still being kept under wraps, the project is one that's been decades in the making, as the original became more of a cult classic. 

Aside from the three witches, Hocus Pocus 2 will also feature the return of Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson. There are also some familiar faces in the form of Veep's Tony Hale and Sam Richardson (the latter of which appears in this teaser). Ted Lasso standout Hannah Waddingham also has a role in the project. 

Hocus Pocus 2 will hit Disney+ on September 30th. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

It has been nearly 30 years since the Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, were resurrected and brought thrills and chills to the town of Salem, Massachusetts, in the beloved Disney Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. And even though the three witches met a rather unfortunate fate way back in the fall of 1993, the Sandersons will be back in the flesh in the upcoming Hocus Pocus 2. 

This Halloween season, the long-in-the-works sequel will bring back the iconic witches, who will return to their old haunting grounds once more to terrorize a new crop of curious schoolchildren, and there’s a lot we already know. Grab your broom and lace up your Nike cross-trainers because we’re going back to Salem to see what’s going on with what could possibly be one of the best Disney+ movies.

Hocus Pocus 2 Will Premiere In Fall 2022 As A Disney+ Exclusive

For what seems like forever (but not as long as the Sanderson Sisters’ 300-year exile), the Hocus Pocus 2 release date remained a mystery, with the only concrete information being that the movie would be a Disney+ exclusive and premiere at some point in Fall 2022. Well, EW confirmed that not only will the long-awaited sequel premiere this fall, it will make its big premiere September 30th on the popular streaming service. Talk about one heck of a way to kick off the Halloween season. I guess we can add this to the list of movies and shows to stream on Disney to get into the Halloween spirit.

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, And Kathy Najimy Are Returning As The Sanderson Sisters

It would be difficult to make a Hocus Pocus sequel without the O.G. witches, but luckily that’s a problem we won’t have to face when the Sanderson sisters return later this year. Disney has announced that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will be returning as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson for Hocus Pocus 2, terrifying a new generation of kids in the process. Parker was quick to share her enthusiasm with her Instagram followers in November 2021 when the actress revealed rehearsals were underway on the upcoming Disney+ movie:

But, the bewitched triple threat won’t be the only members of the original cast to return for another tale, as The Shape of Water star Doug Jones will be reprising his undead character, Billy Butcherson, years after returning to his grave.

The Hocus Pocus 2 Cast Also Includes Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, And Hannah Waddingham

In addition to the returning characters, the Hocus Pocus 2 cast will also see some new faces, including three of the brightest stars in the comedy world right now. In November 2021, Disney announced that former Veep stars Tony Hale and Sam Richardson, as well as Ted Lasso standout and Primetime Emmy Award-winner Hannah Waddingham, would all be involved with the upcoming sequel, though only Hale’s character, Salem mayor Jeffrey Traske, has been revealed at this time. However, Hale revealed that he will also be playing an “evil reverend” when speaking with Variety at the Being the Ricardos premiere in December 2021.

The Hocus Pocus 2 cast also includes Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo as three high school students who find themselves going head-to-head with the returning Sanderson sisters. Juju Brener, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Paige Henderson, and Nina Kitchen are all set to appear in undisclosed roles.

The Movie Will Follow Three High School Students As They Attempt To Stop The Recently Returned Sanderson Sisters

Hocus Pocus 2 will see the return of the Sanderson sisters 29 years after they were vanquished before they could carry out their plans and become immortal. The circumstances surrounding the return of the trio of witches, and how they were able to come back after being turned to dust all those years ago, remains to be seen. This time around, three high school students will come together and find a way to defeat the Sandersons once and for all before they can put their latest plan into motion before the stroke of midnight on All Hallow’s Eve.

Bette Midler Was Floored After Reading An Outline Of The Story

There had been talk of a Hocus Pocus sequel for years following the first movie’s release, but nothing ever materialized. That all changed within the past few years, and the spooky witch train has officially left the station. When the project started to really gain momentum in late 2020, Bette Midler had a chat with People, in which she revealed how she and her co-stars reacted when they read an outline of Hocus Pocus 2, stating:

And, while not much has been revealed about the specifics of the Hocus Pocus 2 story, hopefully Bette Midler’s enthusiasm means we’ll get to see them on their trusty brooms once more.

Hocus Pocus 2 Is Being Helmed By Dumplin' Director Anne Fletcher

The first Hocus Pocus is one of the best Kenny Ortega movies, but the choreographer-turned-director won’t be back to helm the upcoming sequel. It’s not all bad news, though, because Deadline reported in May 2021 that Hocus Pocus 2 will be directed by Anne Fletcher, who followed a similar career path to her predecessor. Over the years, Fletcher has served as a choreographer on movies like Hairspray (2007), The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Step Up 2: The Streets, while also directing Step Up, The Proposal, and Dumplin’, to name only a few.

The Disney+ Movie Started Filming In Rhode Island In October 2021

After years of buzz surrounding Hocus Pocus 2, production on the long-awaited sequel reportedly kicked off in Rhode Island in fall 2021, bringing us one step closer to seeing the Sandersons back in action. According to What’s Up Newp, a Newport, Rhode Island, publication, cameras started rolling in the smallest state in the union on October 18, 2021.

Initial principal photography wrapped in early 2022, according to tweets by Bette Midler and then later by Anne Fletcher. There have reportedly been re-shoots, but nothing has been confirmed by the production team, cast, or Disney, and the film appears to be on track for its September 30 premiere on Disney+.

There is still quite a bit we don’t yet know about Hocus Pocus 2 (like when we’ll get a trailer), but make sure to check back, because there will surely be more updates on the project and all the other upcoming Disney movies in the very near future. In the meantime, take a look at our guide to all the other 2022 new movie releases. 

The Sanderson sisters are coming back! It’s been nearly 30 years since Hocus Pocus entered our lives and became required viewing each Halloween. Now there will be a sequel to add to your annual holiday traditions, as Hocus Pocus 2 is set to hit Disney+ sometime this fall. Filming wrapped in January on the movie that will see three high school students joining forces to stop the soul-sucking trio in modern-day Salem.

The actresses who portrayed the three witches in the first movie will reprise their roles, and it appears we’ll see Winnie, Sarah and Mary in a couple of other iterations as well. The veteran actresses are joined by some fresh new talent that should make fans more excited, if that’s even possible. Let’s take a look at the updated cast list for the highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 2. 

Bette Midler (Winifred 'Winnie' Sanderson) 

The legend herself, Bette Midler, is back as Winnie, the oldest Sanderson sister. After nearly three decades, she’ll certainly be looking to have more children … on toast! A star of stage and screen for the past seven decades, Midler is known for movies such as The First Wives Club, 2019’s The Addams Family and its 2021 sequel, in which she voiced Grandmama. She most recently appeared on Broadway in 2017 in Hello, Dolly!.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson)

Sarah Jessica Parker plays the youngest sister, Sarah, and yes, she’s still beautiful and boys will still love her! This is the second iconic role that Parker has revisited lately, as she’s also currently starring in HBO Max’s And Just Like That…, the sequel series to the HBO hit Sex and the City. Since Hocus Pocus, Parker has starred in movies like The First Wives Club (with Bette Midler), Mars Attacks!, The Family Stone and two Sex and the City movies. She’s no stranger to Broadway herself, as she debuted at age 11 in The Innocents, and is currently starring opposite husband Matthew Broderick in Plaza Suite.

Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson)

Rounding out the starring trio is the middle Sanderson sister, Mary, and Kathy Najimy will return in the role of the witch known for sniffing out children. Outside of Hocus Pocus, Najimy is well-known as the uber-optimistic Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act, and the voice of Peggy on King of the Hill. She’s been in a number of movies, including Hope Floats, Dumplin’ and Single All the Way, and she also held recurring roles in such TV series as Veronica’s Closet, Numb3rs, Younger and Veep (which means this sequel will reunite her with some familiar faces).

Doug Jones (William 'Billy' Butcherson)

The three leading witches aren’t the only familiar faces returning for the sequel. Doug Jones will also be seen again as Billy Butcherson, Winifred’s ex-boyfriend, whom she poisoned after she found out he cheated on her with her sister Sarah. Winnie brought him back as a zombie in Hocus Pocus, and apparently he’s still amongst the undead nearly three decades later. Jones is well known for his disguised roles, and he's a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, appearing in the films Mimic, Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Crimson Peak, and The Shape of Water. He also plays Saru on Star Trek: Discovery and has a recurring role as Baron Afanas on What We Do in the Shadows.

Taylor Paige Henderson (Young Winnie Sanderson)

In her first major movie role, Taylor Paige Henderson will play Young Winnie. Taylor previously voiced Earwig in the movie Earwig and the Witch. I wonder how this sequel will utilize the witches in their younger years.

Juju Brener (Young Sarah Sanderson)

Playing Young Sarah is Juju Brene, who has been acting in small roles since 2016. She played Lily in the 2021 Morgan Freeman film Vanquish and was in Miley Cyrus’ music video for “Younger Now.” In addition to joining the Hocus Pocus franchise, Juju is set to star in the book-to-movie adaptation of The Furry Fortune. 

Nina Kitchen (Young Mary Sanderson)

Newcomer Nina Kitchen will play Young Mary in Hocus Pocus 2. This will be Nina’s first acting credit. Fingers crossed this launches her to stardom!

Whitney Peak (Becca)

Whitney Peak will play Becca, one of the three high school students who will attempt to stop the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus 2. Peak can currently be seen in the HBO Max revival of Gossip Girl as Zoya. Before she joined the ranks of Manhattan’s private school elite, Peak played Alpha Jessica in the Apple TV+ mystery drama Home Before Dark and recurred as Judith on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She also played Stella in Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game.

Lilia Buckingham (Cassie)

The second teen who will be going up against the veteran witches is Lilia Buckingham, who will play Cassie. Buckingham, a former competitive dancer, got her first acting credit from a small role on an episode of Modern Family. She then began working with the Gen Z media network Brat TV, where she appeared in series including Chicken Girls, Total Eclipse and Zoe Valentine.

Belissa Escobedo (Izzy) 

Rounding out the high school trio is Belissa Escobedo as Izzy. Escobedo got her start on the 2020 ABC comedy The Baker and the Beauty, where she played little sister Natalie. Following that series’ cancellation, she had a small role on American Horror Story and played Bianca in the Hulu original movie Sex Appeal. She's also in the cast of the upcoming DC Comics movie Blue Beetle.

Tony Hale (Jefry Traske)

Tony Hale joins the Hocus Pocus 2 cast as Jefry Traske, the mayor of Salem. Hale is well-known for his comedic turns as Buster Bluth on Arrested Development and Gary Walsh on Veep, but also had notable roles in The Mysterious Benedict Society and Chuck. He’s also a notable voice actor, playing the voice as the inquisitive Forky from Toy Story 4 and Forky Asks a Question, and his other voice work includes HouseBroken, Crossing Swords, Rugrats, Harley Quinn and many more. Hale's movie roles include Being the Ricardos, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Love, Simon. 

Sam Richardson

Tony Hale’s Veep and HouseBroken co-star Sam Richardson will also appear in Hocus Pocus 2. Richardson stars in The Afterparty and also lends his voice to a number of movie and TV projects, including Ralph Breaks the Internet, M.O.D.O.K., Woke, BoJack Horseman and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He co-created and co-starred in Detroiters with Tim Robinson and has appeared on Robinson’s Netflix sketch comedy series I Think You Should Leave. Richardson has appeared in films including The Tomorrow War, Hooking Up, Promising Young Woman, 2016’s Ghostbusters, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and Horrible Bosses 2. 

Hannah Waddingham

Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham, or should we say Rebecca Welton from Ted Lasso, joins this witchy sequel in an unknown role. She appeared in Seasons 5 and 6 of Game of Thrones as Septa Unella. Waddingham is also a star of the stage, appearing on both London's West End and New York's Broadway. She’s been in productions including Spamalot, Into the Woods, The Wizard of Oz, and Kiss Me, Kate. 

Froy Gutierrez

Most recently, Froy Gutierrez played Jamie Henson on Freeform’s Cruel Summer, and he’s appeared in the Hulu series Light as a Feather, MTV’s Teen Wolf in Season 6, and the first season of One Day at a Time on Netflix. Hocus Pocus 2 will surely serve as a way to further boost his acting profile.

Ginger Minj (Drag Winnie)

Drag Race star Ginger Minj will reportedly play a drag queen version of Winifred in Hocus Pocus 2. She was the runner-up on Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and then competed on Seasons 2 and 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Minj has appeared in three Netflix productions — Dumplin’, AJ and the Queen and the animated series Super Drags. She has released three studio albums, and Kathy Najimy made a guest appearance on her music video for “Gummy Bear.”

Kornbread Jeté (Drag Mary)

Kornbread Jeté competed on Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race early in 2022. She will portray a drag version of Mary, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that turns out.

Kahmora Hall (Drag Sarah)

Playing the drag queen version of Sarah is Kahmora Hall. She was the first contestant eliminated from Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but she returned as a guest for an episode of Season 14.

With this great mix of old favorites and new characters in the Hocus Pocus universe, it’s no wonder fans are so excited for this fall. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we’ll see Max, Allison or Dani in the new film, despite Vinessa Shaw expressing willingness to return. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more updates on the movie, which will be available for streaming with a Disney+ subscription. In the meantime, check out the other Disney+ movies available now.

If there is one show with the message that you can have it all, it would definitely be Sex and the City. The romantic dramedy that premiered in 1998 following the lives of four women in New York has becoming a classic for both fans who watched live at the time and fans who discovered it via streaming. With the sequel series And Just Like That… premiering on HBO Max in 2021, star Sarah Jessica Parker is revealing the one reason she’s envious of her character, Carrie Bradshaw.

In a new interview with Us Weekly, Sarah Jessica Parker talked all things Sex and the City. The original series came to an end almost 18 years ago, so there is plenty that SJP can get nostalgic about even as the revival series releases on HBO Max. The actress has admitted one thing that she’s a tad jealous of when it comes to playing Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw:

It’s not the fashion and it’s not where Carrie lives, but rather the bonds that she has with her friends that make Sarah Jessica Parker envious. The original series definitely built on the friendships between the characters, which continued in the two feature films in 2008 and 2010. It makes sense that Parker wants what Carrie Bradshaw has after playing the character for so long and then reprising the role for the revival. 

The friendships are as important as ever in And Just Like That…, given that it takes place eleven years after Sex and the City 2, with Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda remaining as close as ever. Even if not everyone has a tight-knit group of friends, at least they can always watch one on television!

The HBO Max sequel series dropped on the streamer in December, amid a resurgence of rumors of a feud between Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall. While fans were mixed on Cattrall not appearing in the series, it seems like Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis are still close and had the best time filming the show. Parker may not be Carrie Bradshaw and have her friendships, but she seems to be doing pretty well for herself when it comes to her friendships with the revival cast members.

The Sex and the City sequel series And Just Like That… is streaming now on HBO Max, with new episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays.

Earlier this month, Chris Noth made headlines for reprising his role as John James "Mr. Big" Preston in the Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That… However, shortly after Big’s shocking fate in the premiere episode, Noth was faced with sexaul assault allegations. The actor has since denied them and, in the aftermath, he’s been dropped by his talent agency and has experienced some losses within his current business ventures. Now, his co-stars, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis, have spoken out on the matter. 

Last week, the 67-year-old Chris Noth was accused by two women, who claimed that they were assaulted by him in two separate incidents. One allegedly occurred in Los Angeles in 2004, while the other reportedly took place in New York in 2015. Shortly after, a third woman stepped forward with claims about a situation that purportedly happened in 2010, also in New York. Actress and writer Zoe Lister-Jones later spoke out, calling Noth a “sexaul predator” and accusing him of being “consistently sexually inappropriate” with the female promoter of a night club he owned. Lister-Jones worked with Noth on an episode of Law & Order in 2005 and claimed that he would drink between takes. Other alleged past situations involving the actor have also come to light.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis responded to the allegations through a joint statement. Davis shared the message through her Twitter account and, in it, the actresses expressed sadness over the situation and commended the women involved for speaking out: 

The Golden Globe-nominated actor’s Mr. Big was shockingly killed off at the end of the premiere of And Just Like That… The development seemed to have a polarizing effect on audiences, with many questioning the decision to off him. The star himself spoke out soon after, sharing his reasoning as to why it needed to happen. The on-screen death involved a Peloton workout bike and actually drew a response from the company itself via a new ad from Ryan Reynolds and the Big actor himself. 

In light of the recent allegations, Peloton made the decision to pull the ad. Around the same time, Chris Noth was also in talks to sell his tequila brand, Ambhar, to Entertainment Arts Research. That deal, however, has now been called off. Earlier this week, it was reported that Noth has also been let go from CBS’ The Equalizer, which is currently in the midst of its second season. His character will still appear once more, though, as the Noth filmed an additional episode ahead of the controversy. 

The actor isn’t currently under criminal investigation for the alleged incidents of sexual assault. Because this is an ongoing situation, more details are likely to follow.

While Sex and the City was famous for its unforgettable fashion and soapy drama, the on-screen friendships between the protagonists are what really cemented the series’ status as a must-see. As any fan knows, however, that rapport didn’t necessarily extend past the cameras. Stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall had reportedly been engaged in some sort of feud since the series ended in 2004. While viewers remain divided over it, there’s one Sex and the City star who staunchly supports SJP - and let’s just say, he’s kind of a ‘Big’ deal. 

Chris Noth recently sat down with The Guardian to chat about the upcoming reboot of the beloved HBO drama, titled And Just Like That, where he’s set to reprise his role as the dashing Mr. Big, whom Carrie Bradshaw married in the first follow-up feature film.  While Mr. Big was always supportive of Carrie, it should please fans to know that Chris Noth is just as much of a cheerleader for Sarah Jessica Parker IRL. When asked about the purported bad blood between SJP and Kim Cattrall, he stuck up for his longtime pal: 

A fairly diplomatic response, no? Despite his clear support for one actress, Chris Noth still avoided saying anything too negative about the other. We’d expect nothing less from the smooth-talking Mr. Big. While Noth was very careful to avoid disparaging Kim Cattrall, it’s clear that his onscreen affection for Sarah Jessica Parker isn’t just acting. And his defense of the Failure to Launch actress goes beyond this specific example: he also clearly had problems with the initial backlash against Parker after the drama first went public. He explained: 

While Kim Cattrall will not be returning for And Just Like That, fans can at least expect to see the evolving relationship between Carrie and Mr. Big. Some fans wondered if their marriage would hold up after the events of the second film (a critically disparaged venture that remained canon nonetheless). While it’s impossible to know for sure until the continuation quasi-reboot premieres, viewers can at least rest assured that Chris Noth will always have Sarah Jessica Parker’s back after the cameras stop rolling. Now check those two out in the HBO Max trailer below!

Sex and the City: And Just Like That will premiere on HBO Max on December 9. IF you need a refresher, the streaming service also features every episode of the original series.  

The Sanderson Sisters are plotting their return to Salem nearly thirty years after the release of the original Hocus Pocus, and we couldn’t be more excited to see them run amuck, amuck, amuck again for the sequel! Yes, Bette Midler’s Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sarah and Kathy Najimy’s Mary have been reunited,go and as one source spotted on the set of the film, the movie is staying practical with how the flying is filmed on set. 

These days, CGI has become the primary way action in movies are shot. Oftentimes it's less expensive and easier for a production to complete its vision on a computer screen than come up with creative ways to do it through building sets, mechanisms and such. The production for Hocus Pocus 2 has been underway in Rhode Island since last month, and ScreenRant’s Robert Peterpaul snapped a photo that reveals that the Sanderson sisters are filming their flying scenes in a cool and practical way. 

How Hocus Pocus 2 Is Filming Its Flying Scenes 

The set photo shows a large truck that has three mechanical poles lodged on the front with somewhat of a seat for the actors to stay put as they fly their brooms! The truck is completely blue screen except for the poles that will act as their brooms. While ScreenRant was on the set, a crew member confirmed that the three seats with poles are meant for the three Sanderson Sisters (played by Midler, Parker and Najimy), who will be able to “fly” through the air at a controlled speed on the top of the blue screen truck. 

This is exciting because these days, it’s not necessarily typical for practical elements to be involved in every production. Plus, the actors behind the Sanderson Sisters are massive stars and not as young as they used to be. We wouldn’t expect them to get on the top of a moving truck. But, 75-year-old Bette Midler, 56-year-old Sarah Jessica Parker and 64-year-old Kathy Najimy are capable actresses that look to be going all in on reprising their iconic roles. 

How The Original Hocus Pocus Filmed Its Flying Scenes 

As we look forward to Hocus Pocus 2, let’s check back on how the Sanderson Sisters filmed those flying scenes in the early ‘90s. Wires were used to suspend the actors in the air, which would sometimes leave them hanging in the air “for hours,” according to Kathy Najimy. Bette Midler and Najimy have spoken on it before, with Midler calling the experience on the wires “one of the greatest joys” she’d ever experienced as an actor. She described it as a dance, but also a bit of a struggle not to be “turned upside down.” 

We cannot wait to see how the finished Hocus Pocus 2 turns out! Of course, that’ll have to wait until Halloween season 2022, when it premieres on Disney+. 

Almost three decades have passed since Hocus Pocus saw the town of Salem, Massachusetts revisited by the infamous Sanderson Sisters. Through a mixture of evil and shenanigans, the trio ran amok in the then modern world of 1993, only to be vanquished by the forces of good. Then again, evil never dies when there’s a good excuse to return, and Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker have indeed returned. Better still, we now have our first look at Hocus Pocus 2 has the Sanderson Sisters back together again, and it looks like no time has passed at all. 

Filming is currently underway on Disney+’s long awaited legacy-quel Hocus Pocus 2, and already it looks like there’s some magic afoot. The streaming service has put out its first look at director Anne Fletcher’s in progress, as part of today’s Disney+ Day celebrations. Bette Midler also shared the photo, courtesy of her Twitter post below, which shows that these broads are ready to go out trick or treating for the souls of children yet again: 

Obviously it’s a bit too early to hope for a trailer or sizzle reel for a movie that’s just getting underway. That being said, having a first look photo this early on in the process is a good sign that Disney+ understands how anticipated Hocus Pocus 2 actually is. With subscribers old and new looking forward to seeing the Sanderson Sisters terrorize a new cast of Salem’s citizens, today’s big celebration was the perfect occasion to drop such a photo.

Those of you hoping to catch a glimpse of newcomers like Veep’s Sam Richardson, or maybe a hint of the fiery stunts that are set to take place in Hocus Pocus 2, will unfortunately have to wait. The same wisdom goes for anyone hoping to have the plot details floating around the internet to be confirmed, as we haven’t really got that information either. Seriously though, seeing the Sanderson Sisters back together again feels right. 

We’re in that sweet spot where we’re still reminiscing about Halloween, but might not be ready to dive into the holiday frenzy of streaming originals like 8-Bit Christmas just yet. While Hocus Pocus 2 is just getting underway, the road to its frightfully funny debut seems to have gotten off to a great start. ‘Tis time to start getting hyped, dear readers, as there’s plenty of time to discover the next chapter of secrets in this seasonal favorite of families far and wide. 

Hocus Pocus 2 is currently in production, for a Disney+ debut at some point in the Fall 2022 release window. If you can’t wait that long to see the Black Flame Candle lit again, you can always revisit Hocus Pocus on Disney+ in the meantime! Or, if you’re ready to head out to the movies again, check out the 2021 release schedule and see what debuts are still waiting around the corner. 

Sex and the City was iconic for a number of reasons, but few moreso than the unforgettable fashion and beauty moments. The news surrounding the upcoming reboot, And Just Like That…, has been equally focused on which actors are returning and what they’ll be wearing. Unfortunately, many have also been putting heavy emphasis on the physical appearances of the stars, who have obviously aged a bit in the nearly two decades since the original series' finale. Now Sarah Jessica Parker, a.k.a  the Carrie Bradshaw herself, is clapping back. 

The Emmy-winning actress was the focus of the cover story for the December edition of Vogue. During the lengthy chat, she opened up about stepping back into her iconic character's sample size Manolo Blahniks. The story also acknowledges that And Just Like That… picks up with Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte in the present day. With this, fans have noticed that their favorite New Yorkers look a little different, and some are not totally supportive of Carrie’s gray hairs. But the Hocus Pocus alum has no time for that. She told the publication: 

The star's comments ring true, especially in a world where wrinkles are considered to be the end of the world. Or, if not the end of the world, the end of a woman’s career in Hollywood. With this, premier roles are often reserved for the young, while older women are relegated to the sidelines. 

The Sex and the City follow-up is clearly resisting this Hollywood trend by putting its middle-aged stars front and center. The set photos alone prove that Carrie Bradshaw is every bit as chic, vibrant, and cool as she was in the early 2000’ - maybe even more so. Like fine wine and gourmet cheese, some things just get better with age. 

And Just Like That… is set to hit HBO this December. Fans will surely be excited to see Sarah Jessica Parker, as she's joined by original stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristen Davis. 

While spooky season is over according to the calendar (and pockets of the internet), there are those who want to keep the fun going just a little longer. Which is good, because Disney+’s Hocus Pocus 2 is currently filming, and there’s a ton of new information as to who’s going to star in the film. It includes some old favorites, along with a lot of new stars hailing from shows like Ted Lasso and Veep!

Before we get too deep into the faces of old and new in Hocus Pocus 2, it’s a good time to go over the plot of the new film. Recently announced, along with the news of the Anne Fletcher directed sequel currently being filmed in Rhode Island, the synopsis for the next chapter was also dropped by the good people at Disney+. So we’ll quickly run through what is, and isn’t, going to be a part of Hocus Pocus 2’s story, before we move onto who we’ll be seeing run amok this time out. 

What’s Hocus Pocus 2 Going To Be About?

The return of the infamous Sanderson sisters is, pretty much, predicated by what you’d expect in Hocus Pocus 2. With Disney+’s official announcement of production on the sequel came a synopsis that sounds familiar, but still ready for new excitement to take hold. Here’s the official rundown: 

As you can see, there’s some good news and bad news for Hocus Pocus fans who have been waiting for this sequel for some time. If you were hoping that Hocus Pocus 2 would be an adaptation of author A.W. Jantha’s Hocus Pocus and the All New Sequel, that’s not in the cards. However, there are some returning faces from the original 1993 film, as well as a load of new folks joining in on the fun. Let’s start things off with the list of returning players in Hocus Pocus 2.

OG Hocus Pocus Characters Are Back, Including Billy Butcherson

Surely, you can’t have a Hocus Pocus 2 without the original Sanderson sisters returning to the field of play. But, in addition to that trio of terrifying treats, this sequel is going to see legendary creature actor and Star Trek: Discovery cast member Doug Jones aka fan-favorite Billy Butcherson coming back as well! So far, we should expect the following Hocus Pocus actors to return for the Disney+ follow up: 

• Bette Midler
• Kathy Najimy
• Sarah Jessica Parker
• Doug Jones

That there is a list of exciting potential for Hocus Pocus 2 adventure! So let’s run through our returning cast members, and see what they’ve been up to as of late. 

Bette Midler As Winnie Sanderson

Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson was expertly played in Hocus Pocus by the iconic Bette Midler. Honestly, how could you have a Hocus Pocus 2 without inviting the divine Ms. M along for the ride? Though the same could be said for her equally powerful sisters, and lucky us everyone’s back in style.

Kathy Najimy As Mary Sanderson

While it’s obviously fitting that Kathy Najimy returns to play Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus 2, there’s another exciting reason her casting in the sequel is exciting. We won’t spoil it for now, but let’s just say that her recurring guest role on HBO’s Veep could lend an extra magical ingredient to this second spell of adventure.

Sarah Jessica Parker As Sarah Sanderson

Sarah Sanderson may have been the more social and less strategic witch of the Hocus Pocus trio. But much like the Three Stooges (that seemingly inspired the Sanderson sisters), you’d be crazy to invoke only part of this group. Not even her return for HBO’s And Just Like That could have prevented Sarah Jessica Parker from enchanting a new batch of children with her siren song.

Doug Jones As Fan Fave Billy Butcherson

Though we have no word on whether any of the original kids from Hocus Pocus will be back in some capacity, we do know our first returning cast member outside of the Sanderson sisters trio. And it’s Guillermo del Toro mainstay/Star Trek: Discovery crew member Doug Jones, who originated the zombified role of Billy Butcherson almost 30 years ago and is still a popular Halloween costume years later. Now that his mouth isn’t sewn up, and Mr. Jones has built quite the resume in the ensuing decades, maybe we’ll get to see Billy chatting a bit more about his own story, and the legend of the Sandersons. 

As of this moment, these are the faces from the Hocus Pocus legacy that will be coming back for more. So that means the pressure’s kind of on the roster of new faces coming into view to give them a magically hard time. If you thought the returning cast was cool, just wait until you see the new kids on the broom for Hocus Pocus round 2!

Hocus Pocus Sequel's New Cast Members Include Ted Lasso Star Hannah Waddingham, A Veep Mini Reunion And More

The only thing more exciting than the returning participants in Hocus Pocus 2's cast are the newcomers we've been teasing. Ted Lasso and Veep are just the start too, as there's quite a few young up and comers joining the fight as well. Here's the full list of new actors joining the world of Hocus Pocus 2:

• Hannah Waddingham
• Sam Richardson
• Tony Hale
• Whitney Peak
• Lilia Buckingham
• Belissa Escobedo
• Juju Brener
• Froy Gutierrez
• Taylor Henderson
• Nina Kitchen

Hannah Waddingham

Friends, it’s time for biscuits with the boss. Coming over from the cast of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso is Rebecca Welton herself. Though we have a feeling actor Hannah Waddingham's new gig in Hocus Pocus 2 might be more reminiscent of that time she shamed Cersei Lannister on HBO’s Game of Thrones, it’s all gravy so long as Ms. Waddingham gets to wield some magic. 

Sam Richardson

The Veep connections start to pay off here, as one of Hocus Pocus 2’s new cast members happens to be Richard Splett himself, Sam Richardson! It also helps that Richardson added some paranormal experience to his resume in 2021, as he was previously seen in this year’s  horror-comedy whodunnit Werewolves Within. 

Tony Hale As Mayor Jefry Traske?

Continuing those good Veep vibes is the casting of Tony Hale, another member of the HBO comedy’s wise-cracking tribe. Hale is also a Disney+ vet, having starred as part of the company's original series adaptation of The Mysterious Benedict Society. If the DisInsider’s recent report is to be believed, Hale’s Hocus Pocus 2 character is the mayor of Salem, Jefry Traske.

Whitney Peak

Building off of that same DisInsider cache of supposed knowledge, Hocus Pocus 2 will be centered around a trio of characters named Becca, Izzy, and Cassie. While we don’t know if that’s 100% the full story, or who will play those exact roles, actor Whitney Peak is one of the presumptive teenagers who will light the Black Flame Candle this time around. Interestingly enough, Ms. Peak’s previous credits include Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot. 

Belissa Escobedo

Rounding out the presumed cast of new leads for Hocus Pocus 2 is actor Belissa Escobedo, who was recently seen getting scary with FX’s American Horror Stories. Also an alum from ABC’s The Baker and The Beauty, Escobedo is another member of the Disney family waiting to give the Sandersons what for! 

Froy Gutierrez

You may know him as Nolan Holloway on MTV’s Teen Wolf, or as Cruel Summer’s Jamie Henson on Freeform. Froy Guiterrez is about to find himself in the middle of magical mayhem, thanks to his casting in Hocus Pocus 2. Good thing he’ll have that experience from Hulu’s Light as a Feather to fall back on in these uncertain times. 

The rest of the newcomers to the Hocus Pocus 2 cast include a range of actors so fresh this movie is among some of their first major credits. Starting her acting career on an episode of TV’s Modern Family, actor Lilia Buckingham is one of the three young leads at the heart of this new adventure. So is actor Taylor Henderson, who is making her live action debut after being heard as the English dub voice of Earwig in this year’s Earwig and the Witch. 

Meanwhile, young Juju Brener has a look that recalls the role of Emily Binx, sister to Thackery and victim of the Sanderson sisters. Could we be seeing the Binx family yet again, thus opening the door for Thackery to return as a result? And last, but not least, is actor Nina Kitchen, who, according to her IMDb, is making Hocus Pocus 2 her first screen credit ever. Talk about making a magical entrance, as Kitchen could see this long-awaited sequel kickstarting her young career.

Is There Room In Hocus Pocus 2’s Cast For Thora Birch And More OG Cast Members?

At the end of our Hocus Pocus 2 celebration, one point must be restated for clarity. As of this moment, it doesn’t look like Max, Allison, or Dani will be a part of the new film’s story. Though we did see Vinessa Shaw express willingness to return for the sequel, as well as Thora Birch celebrating Hocus Pocus 2’s announcement in a way that indicated she’s also game. Still, nothing official is in the works at this moment. Though if you really want to learn about Max and Allison’s daughter, and her run in with the Sanderson sisters, you can check out the novel Hocus Pocus and the All New Sequel.

Then again, the vague synopsis for Hocus Pocus 2 does call for high school aged kids, and Poppy Dennison is 17 years old in the sequel novel. The possibilities are endless at this moment, and even if it turns out that this is the story we’re going to see adapted for the screen, you’ll be ready to experience it all in living breathing color. Which, naturally, isn’t set in stone just yet. 

While we don’t have an official release date for Hocus Pocus 2, we do know that it’ll be a Disney+ original! Set to be released in the fall of 2022, an educated/hopeful guess would say that one weekend next October will see the Black Flame Candle lit once more. It’s nothing to worry about, as it’s all just another bunch of hocus pocus; and one that fans have been waiting almost three decades to enjoy. So keep your Disney+ subscription in order as you wait, and don’t forget to check out the beloved movies already uploaded to Disney’s Digital library. 

Are you a Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte or Samantha? It’s a question that superseded astrology or Hogwarts House quizzes for some time when Sex and the City was on the air. Most of the famed characters at the center of the New York City-set series will soon be returning with an HBO Max revival. We have a first look at the show and the Samanthas of the world are already thinking of a fabulous, quick-witted line in protest.

HBO Max has shared a first look at the upcoming Sex and the City series titled And Just Like That… to announce production on the 10-episode series is underway. Check out present day Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte:

The excitement of Sex and the City coming back feels a bit overshadowed by the gaping hole left in our hearts knowing that the most outspoken and wonderfully chaotic member of the friend group will not be around to continue the story. As we've known for some time, Kim Cattrall is in fact sitting out the revival but with this picture it's really setting in that this sadly means we won’t be seeing what Samantha Jones is up to in her 50s.

Kim Cattrall has not spoken specifically to her absence in the upcoming Sex and the City series, but it’s long been rumored that she and Sarah Jessica Parker are not on good terms based on a number of public back and forths that happened between them. And back in 2019, Cattrall said the following about her thoughts about returning to the role:

Kim Cattrall has been over the role for a while, including with the actress turning down a role in the third Sex and the City movie which was later cancelled. Multiple times the actress has claimed that she and the other core cast were “never friends.” Sarah Jessica Parker responded to her claims by sharing she was “heartbroken” by her former co-star's comments.

We’d imagine And Just Like That… will need to address Samantha Jones’ absence somehow. The HBO Max series will follow Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda as they navigate their lives and friendship in their ‘50s and perhaps the women will have had their own falling out with Samantha years after we last caught up with them.

Carrie Bradshaw has not graced the streets of New York with her gals since 2010’s Sex and the City 2, which followed them venturing to Abu Dhabi with Samantha, who had an ex shooting a movie there. While it’s certainly odd to see the cast back without Kim Cattrall, it’s exciting to see Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda back and on set of the upcoming HBO Max revival on top of the network recently revisiting Gossip Girl.

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Moviegoers may be pinching themselves, because after years of fan campaigns Zack Snyder’s Justice League has finally arrived on HBO Max. The four-hour streaming event has been a long time coming for the fanbase, and those fans seemingly can’t wait to finally see Snyder’s vision come to fruition. Unfortunately for some folks in the U.K., though, attempting to watch the Snyder Cut resulted in an unintentional screening of Sarah Jessica Parker's romantic comedy The Family Stone.

Since Zack Snyder's Justice League is a streaming event, its release is being handled differently across the pond. The Snyder Cut was originally going to air this morning on television on Sky TV, which could have allowed fans to watch it live or record the four-hour event for later. Unfortunately, some unknown error happened, and Sky TV instead played The Family Stone. And it's not even the Holiday Season!

This report comes to us from The Independent, which revealed that the 7 a.m. airing of Zack Snyder's Justice League was mysteriously swapped with a showing of Sarah Jessica Parker's holiday romantic comedy. This snafu was no doubt maddening for hardcore fans, who had been waiting since 2017 to finally see the titular filmmaker's vision for the DC blockbuster. But luckily there are some other options for watching.

While the TV broadcast was interrupted for some mysterious reason, Zack Snyder's Justice League was still reportedly made available on demand via Sky TV. So those fans who woke up early this morning to catch The Snyder Cut in all of its glory were still given that opportunity. As long as they had a spare four hours to watch said vision come to life on the small screen, of course.

The issue on Sky TV isn't the only issue that's come with the long-awaited release of Zack Snyder's Justice League. There were major technical issues for the movie's virtual premiere, which would have seen the titular filmmaker directly interact with the fandom that helped make the project happen. Meanwhile, Zack Snyder's Justice League is now available exclusively on HBO Max on this side of the pond. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

Given The Snyder Cut’s unprecedented trajectory in pop culture, it almost makes sense that its release would have some major hiccups. It’s all very on brand, as Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the little blockbuster that could. And something tells me people are going to be binge-watching the crap out of it this weekend.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is out now for all HBO Max subscribers. In the meantime, check out our 2021 release list to plan your next movie experience.

When Sex and the City took to audiences' screens on HBO back in 1998, no one knew what a hit show they would have on their hands. But everyone found themselves tuning in weekly to watch the adventures of Carrie Bradshaw and the rest of her friends try to navigate their lives and relationships in New York City.

Sex and the City would go on to win multiple awards, including seven Emmys, and spawned off two movies, in 2008 and 2010 respectively. It lit up the world for its cast, making Sarah Jessica Parker a household name, and creating long-lasting careers for many others. Even now, more than a decade after it ended, the girls are coming out with a mini-series titled “And Just Like That…” where most of the main group are going to be reprising their roles. But what exactly has the cast of Sex and the City been up to since then? This is where they’ve been.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw)

The lead character in Sex and the City, Carrie was the whole reason the show even existed. Sarah Jessica Parker is the face behind the iconic-ness of this character, and she’s rightfully had much success after the ending.

While she did have some popular roles prior to Sex and the City, like Footloose, Girls Just Want To Have Fun, and Hocus Pocus, her career took off after Sex and the City. Afterward, Parker would go on to reprise her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the two Sex and the City movies, while also having a main role in the holiday film, New Year’s Eve. Parker would also return to TV in 2012 to have a recurring role on Glee for three episodes, as well as the starring role in Divorce.

Parker has kept her hands busy in the fashion industry. She’s started in some ad campaigns and even started some of her own lines. She’s even coming out with her own ready-to-wear bridal collection. Even so, just because she’s doing that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have other stuff coming up, like Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, and the Sex and the City limited series And Just Like That…

Kristin Davis (Charlotte York)

I always felt a personal connection to Charlotte because I too am a hopeless romantic, so I can definitely see where she’s coming from with that. Kristin Davis, who was behind the role of Charlotte for all six seasons of Sex and the City kept this certain charm about her, and I always genuinely enjoyed hearing about her loves in the city.

Davis went on to reprise her role in both Sex and the City movies and had multiple other roles in big-time movies as well, such as The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, The Shaggy Dog,and Deck the Halls. Davis also went on to have roles in the hit Jon Favreau movie, Couples Retreat, and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

In the TV world, Kristin Davis also had a role in the Bad Teacher TV series, although it was canceled after one season. Davis has also stepped into the world of the theater a bit more, taking on roles in two productions titled The Best Man and Fatal Attraction. In terms of what she has coming up, Davis will be reprising her role as Charlotte York in the upcoming Sex and the City miniseries, so keep an eye out for that.

Kim Cattrall (Samantha Jones)

As the oldest of the friend group, Samantha had plenty to show for her years of experience, and watching an older woman be sexually confident was something that genuinely was not seen that often back then. Kim Cattrall is the face behind that and showed that no matter how old you are, you can love your body and yourself just as much as you are when you’re younger.

Cattrall has had some success prior to the hit HBO show, like her roles in Big Trouble in Little China and Police Academy, but she has kept busy since the end of Sex and the City. She reprised her role in the two Sex and the City movies and had some film roles in Ice Princess and The Ghost Writer.

Kim Cattrall has had multiple appearances and roles on television shows. She had a voice role on Producing Parker and had a main role on both Sensitive Skin, Tell Me A Story, a CBS All Access original show, and the main role on Filthy Rich, but that as well was canceled after one season. Cattrall has also made herself busy with multiple roles in the theatre. She has had parts in The Cryptogram, Private Lives, Antony and Cleopatra, and The Sweet Bird of Youth, so she’s been putting her acting skills to good use on the stage.

Cattrall will however not be reprising her role in the upcoming Sex and the City limited series, so you’ll have to try and find her elsewhere for now.

Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes)

I think we’ve all been a Miranda at some point in our lives. A cynical take on the world and love in general. But hey, that’s life, right? And Cynthia Nixon did a great job of showing the hardships of what can come with relationships.

Nixon herself has been quite active since Sex and the City ended. Like her costars before her, she did reprise her role in the two spinoff movies but has had plenty of other film roles as well, such as Little Manhattan, Rampart, and A Quiet Passion (where she played Emily Dickenson). Nixon has also been involved with theatre work multiple times, having roles in Rabbit Hole, With, The Real Thing,and The Little Foxes, for which she won a Tony award for Rabbit Hole and The Little Foxes.

Cynthia Nixon also had multiple reoccurring roles on TV, in shows like Hannibal and Alpha House, but the big role that she was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for was playing Gwendolyn Briggs on Netflix’s Ratched.

Nixon will also be reprising her role in the upcoming limited series, however, so at least three of the four original girls will be back.

Chris Noth (Mr. Big, John James Preston)

Ah, the man with the Big personality, that everyone seemed to want but couldn’t have when the show came out. That was what Chris Noth brought to his character back then, having appeared in multiple episodes throughout the series as Carrie's on-and-off boyfriend, known throughout the show as Big. 

However, Noth has done plenty since Sex and the City ended to distinguish himself from his iconic character. He’s had some movie roles, notably in The Perfect Man and a voice role in From Up On Poppy Hill, but he’s mainly stuck to TV in recurring roles and main roles, one of his more prominent being on The Good Wife. Noth has also done some theatre work as well, like many of his co-stars above him. However, his more recent news is that he has taken on a main role in the new CBS show, The Equalizer, based on the movie of the same name.

It’s unconfirmed if he will be joining the Sex and the City limited series, but considering how the series ended, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was there.

David Eigenberg (Steven “Steve” Brady)

The man, the myth, the legend that manages to help change Miranda’s worldview of love and relationships, Steve was the person that every single viewer for the show thanked when he showed up because he gave Miranda a reason to smile about love. And honestly, he was one of the healthier relationships on the HBO series, and a big piece of the credit goes to David Eigenberg and his charming ways.

David Eigenburg also reprised his role in the Sex and the City movies, but he has mainly stayed close to the TV world, having multiple recurring roles on TV shows like Cold Case and Criminal Minds.

But his big role since Sex and the City was becoming Lieutenant Christopher Hermann on Chicago Fire, as well as appearing on the connected One Chicago TV shows, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. He does however have a comedy movie coming up titled Killing Eleanor, so look out to see him on the big screen soon.

Willie Garson (Stanford Blatch)

Outside of the three women, Carrie always had Stanford on her side. Willie Garson kept with this role throughout the whole entire series, and played a big part of the start of the second movie. 

Garson, however, has had several roles since the ending of Sex and the City. As mentioned, he reprised his role in Sex and the City 2 and had multiple other parts in movies like Little Manhattan (which was mentioned above), Walk of Shame, and Disney’s Magic Camp. While he’s had multiple recurring roles on many shows, he’s had some main roles on big shows like Whole Day Down, White Collar, and the hit sitcom Hot in Cleveland. He also tested the superhero waters, as he had a recurring role on Supergirl as Steve Lomeli.

In terms of what he has coming up, there is a TV series titled Duke of the Valley happening soon, and a movie titled Before I go, which are both in post-production, so surely Garson will be showing up on our platforms again quite soon.

John Corbett (Aidan Shaw)

I sort of think of Aidan as the in-betweener, considering he was there when Mr. Big wasn’t. Even so, John Corbett was great for the time that he was around on the show.

Corbett has been busy since Sex and the City. Before the series ended, he was in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, for which he reprised his role for the sequel in 2016. He also reprised his SatC role in Sex and the City 2 and had several other film roles.

While he’s had some recurring parts on TV, like in Parenthood and Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, his main role recently has been portraying Dr. Dan Covey in the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series on Netflix, which just released its third film.

Evan Handler (Harry Goldenblatt)

I mean, the good ones always come after the bad, and that was what Harry was to Charlotte. However, Evan Handler, the man behind Charlotte’s second husband, has done some pretty awesome roles since the ending of Sex and the City.

One of his more famous roles after Sex and the City was his main role on the hit Showtime series, Californication. Handler has had some recurring roles as well, on shows like Lost and 24. Handler also portrayed American lawyer Alan Dershowitz in the hit crime show, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Handler has also stepped into the writing scene as well, authoring his own book about his battle with leukemia, and written for several magazines like ELLE and Mirabella.

Jason Lewis (Jerry “Smith” Jerrod)

And now, last on our list is Jerry, otherwise known as Smith, the final boyfriend of the series. While he wasn’t on the original series for super long, he still left an impression in our hearts, even if Jason Lewis was only there for Season 6.

Even so, Lewis has kept busy since his brief stint on Sex and the City. He’s had several guest appearances on big sitcoms like How I Met Your Mother, Charmed, and Beauty and the Baker, and has a main role on Midnight, Texas. Lewis also has a new movie in pre-production called Isolated Victim, with not much known about it. One of his more recent ventures, however, is that Jason Lewis actually has leaned towards politics, and has been active with showing support in his political views.

With the new limited series coming out, there's still plenty to watch with these famous stars. Where have you seen the Sex and the City cast before?

After ending its initial run on HBO back in 2004, Darren Star's beloved Sex and the City lived on in theatrical form for two features, though it never became a full trilogy as planned. Many thought The CW's Carrie Diaries prequel would be the final entry in the franchise, but HBO Max has confirmed that the previously rumored TV revival is definitely happening. Dubbed a "new chapter" that will go by the title And Just Like That..., the ten-episode limited series will feature returning SATC stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, but it's happening without Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones.

Considering how integral Kim Cattrall was to Sex and the City's appeal across its six seasons and beyond, the idea of following fifty-somethings Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda around without Samantha is not necessarily an ideal scenario. To be expected, the fan reaction online was all over the place after Sarah Jessica Parker dropped the strange teaser announcing the revival season. And just as expected, Cattrall's absence was a hot topic, and many people were. Not. Having. It.

The above tweet showcased the kind of confusion that many Sex and the City fans were feeling, not quite grasping why everyone involved would choose to return to the fictional universe without the entire core cast intact. Granted, Kim Cattrall has said for years now that she has no interest in returning to the screen as SATC's Samantha Jones, so it was already a given that she wasn't going to be involved. But instead of letting sleeping sexually active New York City women lie, executive producer Michael Patrick King roped in the other three stars for a new batch of Samantha-free episodes. And that's definitely a dealbreaker for some people.

With Samantha having played into many of Sex and the City's more salacious moments and relationships, one fan suggested another title for the limited series other than And Just Like That..., and it does at least start with the same word as the upcoming revival.

Rather than going into angry hysterics, some fans are emotional in a more tearful way. For instance, the fan below already seems to be mourning Kim Cattrall's absence from Sex and the City's streaming future.

Of course, there was definitely room for angry hysterics on Twitter, because Twitter without hysteria is like Sex and the City without Saman... Oh no. I see what I was about to do there.

On the flip side of that spectrum, fans also had jokes after Sex and the City's revival was announced. Several went with a reference to a very specific Christina Applegate network comedy. (No, not Married with Children.)

Frozen 2 may be a Disney project and not within the WarnerMedia library, but the person below joked about Josh Gad's Olaf being on the hunt for Kim Cattrall's Sex and the City character.

A few years ago, Kim Cattrall actually shared what she would want Sex and the City to do with Samantha if the franchise ever returned in some format, suggesting a more diverse recasting. And more than a few fans were eager to share their thoughts about how Samantha's absence should be explained in And Just Like That...

Now let's end things on a note that's both critical about Samantha's exclusion while still maintaining some positivity about what that change can mean.

At this time, Sex and the City's return for HBO Max doesn't yet have a release window planned, though production is reported to begin in New York in the spring. While waiting to hear more about the new limited series, rewatch old episodes of SATC on HBO Max and bookmark our Winter and Spring TV schedule to see what new and returning shows are on the way soon.

Reboots and revivals have become all the rage in bringing beloved series back to air — Will and Grace, Fuller House, and Charmed are among many shows that have been revived in some form or other in recent years, and it looks like Sex and the City may be following in their footsteps. After six seasons and two movies, the HBO series could be returning to television as opposed to a third feature. But will it be a reboot or a revival? Let’s dive in.

A new Sex and the City project might be in the works at HBO Max, only this time it would return as a limited series that will potentially only bring back three of the four main characters, leaving Kim Cattrall’s Samantha out of the reunion altogether. That wouldn’t be all that surprising, considering Cattrall's feelings toward co-star Sarah Jessica Parker. While it’s unclear at this stage who will return, the Page Six report revealed that the limited-episode project is set to be a "reboot." Meanwhile, other media outlets have reported on the subject while calling Sex and the City a "revival." So which is the truth?

If It’s A Revival…

A Sex and the City revival would be more ideal in this situation for obvious reasons. The terms reboot and revival have sometimes been used interchangeably, but there is a big difference when it comes to character-centric projects as opposed to plot-centric shows. If Carrie Bradshaw were to reunite with her gal pals in a current-day scenario, then a revival makes a lot more sense. Revivals simply serve as expansions of the original show, extending the time fans get to spend with familiar and beloved characters, while also developing more of the world they live in.

Fans would learn what the characters have been up to in the years since we last saw them in Sex and the City 2, and nothing about the show’s history would need to change. In this instance, even if Kim Cattrall didn’t want to reunite with her co-stars as Samantha Jones, a revival wouldn’t change everyone's onscreen friendships. Samantha could just be on a work trip or lounging on some beach in California offscreen.

If It’s A Reboot…

A full-on Sex and the City reboot would be more tricky. Reboots are more of an homage to the original series instead of an update of the characters played by the same actors. The CW’s Walker, for example, is a reboot of the original Walker, Texas Ranger, with changes being made to bring the series into the modern day. Without Kim Catrall returning for the limited series, the Sex and the City creative team could feasibly reboot the show as led by a female threesome, with the Samantha character getting written out, or perhaps being recast with another actress.

Personally, I'm definitely not on board with any of those changes, and would rather see a pure reboot pitch die on the vine before it ever hits the air, rather than having to watch a new Sex and the City series completely change the show’s canon. Considering that the rest of the cast, including Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, might also be returning despite Cattrall’s absence, points to the HBO Max series being a revival and not a reboot. However, only time will tell.

As of this writing, HBO Max representatives have still not confirmed Sex and the City’s return, but stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates on this story and more TV news. The original Sex and the City is currently available to stream on HBO Max. For more on what to watch in the coming months, be sure to check out our 2021 Winter and Spring TV premiere schedule.

While many would agree that (most) Christmas movies are best when reserved for the Christmas season, if you ask me, of all the films set on holidays, Halloween movies are the one kind that can be enjoyed all year long. Just ask any Disney+ subscriber you know how many times they have streamed Hocus Pocus since it launched in November 2019. Include yourself in that pool, too, and make sure to be honest.

But, hey, no need to worry because there is no shame in repeat viewings of one of the most celebrated movies in the realm of both Disney nostalgia and cinematic celebrations of All Hallow’s Eve in history. In fact, it appears that a sequel to Hocus Pocus is in development almost three decades since the original - in which three children accidentally resurrect a trio of legendary witches in Salem - was first released. Can you picture Max Dennison, his sister Dani, and love interest Allison battling the Sanderson Sisters now as adults?

You might be not be able to, come to think of it, if you have not been keeping up with the main Hocus Pocus cast and their subsequent career efforts. Well, since Hocus Pocus 2 seems to really be more than just a bunch of “hocus pocus” after all, let us prepare take a look at the biggest stars of the 1993 family classic and what magic they have been conjuring onscreen or even offscreen, starting with the most wicked witch of them all… in the Disney catalog, that is.

Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson)

She plays one vile, treacherous villain, but Bette Midler is truly one of the most talented and celebrated stars of the stage and screen with multiple nominations and wins from every major award you could think of. She followed up Hocus Pocus by playing herself on sitcoms like Seinfeld and The Nanny, made enemies with one of her Sanderson Sisters in The First Wives Club, had her own short-lived, self-titled sitcom in the early 2000s, and more recently played real-life activist Bella Abzug in The Glorias. In addition to reprising Grandma in the upcoming The Addams Family 2, Bette Midler also seems ready to bring Winifred Sanderson back from the dead for a new installment.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson)

The Sanderson Sister antagonized by Bette Midler in 1995’s The First Wives Club was Sarah - played by a then 27-year-old Sarah Jessica Parker in Hocus Pocus. Her defining role, which won her two Emmys and four Golden Globes, was Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO hit Sex and the City 1998-2004, which she reprised in two feature-length spin-offs, and later found a way to return to her dancing roots by producing the series City.Ballet for AOL. The now 55-year-old actress, and wife of Matthew Broderick, more recently received praise for the another HBO dramedy, Divorce, with Thomas Haden Church as her onscreen ex.

Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson)

One of the more underrated performers from Hocus Pocus and comedy in general, I believe, is Kathy Najimy, who reprised her role as Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit the same year she played the brighter than Sarah, but still quite dim, Mary Sanderson. Perhaps her best known role is the voice of Peggy on King of the Hill, which she starred on at the same time as shorter-lived fashion industry-based sitcom Veronica’s Closet, but most of her appearances since have been recurring TV roles, like on HBO’s political satire Veep, or additional voice work, like in Wall-E or her reprisal of Mary Sanderson on Robot Chicken.

Omri Katz (Max Dennison)

The peak of Omri Katz’s popularity as an actor is, undoubtedly, playing Max Dennison - the virgin who lit the Black Flame candle - but he is still remembered by some for his earlier role on primetime soap opera Dallas in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s and as the lead of Twin Peaks-esque kids show and cult classic Eerie, Indiana. Following guest spots on Freaks and Geeks and General Hospital, Katz would retire from acting in the early 2000s, but has been sure to acknowledge the fanbase he acquired from Hocus Pocus by participating in recent cast reunions. These days, he makes a living running the cannabis culture business, The Mary Danksters.

Thora Birch (Dani Dennison)

You might not have realized Thora Birch is still acting decades after playing Max’s spunky sister at 11 years old, which led to more mature films like Now & Then, the Academy Award-winning American Beauty, and her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Ghost World opposite Scarlett Johansson. She would also take on spookier circumstances than Hocus Pocus, most notably her recurring role as a leading member of the Whisperers on Season 10 of The Walking Dead. That same year, in 2019, Birch appeared in the critically acclaimed The Last Black Man in San Francisco, so do not be so quick to wonder what happened to Dani Dennison when she has been right under your nose this whole time.

Vinessa Shaw (Allison)

The same goes for Vinessa Shaw, who is now 44, but has barely aged a day since she played Max’s classmate and crush Allison. Like her Hocus Pocus co-star Thora Birch, Shaw would quickly go take on more adult-oriented content, including playing a sex worker in Stanely Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, as well as roles of a scarier variety, like 2006’s The Hills Have Eyes remake or the 2017 Netflix original psychological thriller Clinical. Also, be sure to look out for her next time you watch 2010 western 3:10 to Yuma, Steven Soderbergh’s Side Effects, or Season 2 of the hit Showtime drama Ray Donovan with Liev Schreiber.

Sean Murray (Thackery Binx)

You know, there was a moment during my recent rewatch of Hocus Pocus when I thought that Thackery Binx was played by Devon Sawa of Casper and Final Destination fame until I discovered it was Sean Murray. Though, to be fair, the 43-year-old actor, who first broke into cinema opposite Robert DeNiro and a young Leonardo DiCaprio in This Boy’s Life, looks almost nothing like he did in 1993. The older brother of One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray has since found steady work in television, in a recurring role on JAG before becoming a series regular on NCIS as cybersecurity specialist Timothy McGee.

Jason Marsden (Thackery Binx - Cat Voice)

Sean Murray was actually not the only one in Hocus Pocus to play Thackery Binx, whose immortal cat form is actually one of many notable voice acting roles of Jason Marsden (no relation to James, in case you were wondering). While you may have seen his face on ‘90s sitcoms like Boy Meets World, Full House, and Step By Step, his voice is probably a bigger part of your childhood than you realize, having played Max Goof in A Goofy Movie and its sequel, Haku in the English-language version of Spirited Away, and countless animated movies and TV shows based on both DC and Marvel comics. In 2020, he began hosting The Mars Variety Show - a tribute to live performance series of the ’60s and ‘70s he created and streams through YouTube.

Amanda Shepherd (Emily Binx)

There is only one actress, however, who played Thackery Binx’s ill-fated sister Emily in Hocus Pocus’ dark opening and bitter sweet finale, but not the one some previously assumed. While the role was credited online for years to Jodie-Amy Rivera (who was merely an extra), the role was actually the first and last for Amanda Shepherd, who is more recently a Malibu realtor who moonlights as a musician, according to an interview with Cosmopolitan in 2015. Shepherd does take pride in still getting recognized for the Disney role, which she proved by appearing in Freeform’s 2018 TV special celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary.

Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson)

If you failed to recognize Doug Jones in a crowd, he would probably understand since the distinctly limber and chameleonic actor has rarely played a role allowed him to show his face - a reputation that essentially began by playing friendly zombie Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus. It is his many, many collaborations with Guillermo del Toro (including Abe Sapien in the Hellboy movies, two roles in Pan’s Labyrinth, and the Amphibian Man in the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water) that made him an influential icon in the craft of hiding in plain sight. Jones currently has a starring role as Saru on the CBS All Access exclusive Star Trek: Discovery and will play Count Orlok in a remake of Nosferatu, which is now in post-production.

Garry Marshall (Devil)

One of the funniest bits in Hocus Pocus is when the Sanderson Sisters mistake a middle-age man dressed in a devilish Halloween costume as their “master.” This was a cameo by actor and filmmaker Garry Marshall, who had previously directed Better Midler’s 1988 film Beaches, Julia Roberts in 1990’s Pretty Woman and, later, Anne Hathaway’s The Princess Diaries movies. In 2016, the final year of his life, Marshall produced and guest starred on a series reboot of The Odd Couple and directed Mother’s Day, the last of his holiday-themed rom-coms, before passing away from pneumonia at 81.

Penny Marshall (The Master’s Wife)

Playing Garry Marshall’s wife in Hocus Pocus (for reasons the world may never understand) was Penny Marshall, his real life sister. The former, Golden Globe-nominated star of Happy Days spin-off Laverne & Shirley would later follow in her older brother’s footsteps with a very successful, if not relatively brief, filmmaking career that ranged from fantasy comedies like Big to historical dramas like A League of Their Own - both of which starred Tom Hanks. Even after giving up directing, Marshall would continue to act every once in a while until her death in 2018, due to complications with diabetes, at the age of 75.

What do you think? Was it a little too weird to you seeing the Marshall siblings play a couple in Hocus Pocus, or is that actually far from your own personal problems with the film? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for additional information and updates on the legacy of Disney’s beloved Halloween tradition, as well as even more inside looks into the careers of your favorite movie and TV show cast members, here on CinemaBlend.

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Cult classic movies have a unique life with audiences, often starting with box office disappointment before eventually becoming a beloved part of film history. That was exactly the case with 1993's Hocus Pocus directed by Kenny Ortega. The movie became an iconic piece of the Halloween festivities now, and fans are hoping the Sanderson Sisters will return for a big screen sequel. Bette Midler recently announced a cast reunion, but what does that mean for the possible follow up movie?

Hocus Pocus is an annual viewing experience for both families and '90s kids, who grew up watching the fantasy comedy movie. There's been talks about a sequel over the years, with talent like Sarah Jessica Parker revealing the trio of actresses signed on and waiting for the movie to come together. This year Bette Midler has cooked up a reunion called In "Search of the Sanderson Sisters", which will reunite the trio of actresses for charity. But that leaves even more questions about the possible sequel. You can check out Midler's announcement post below.

Bette Midler put a spell on us decades ago, and we're still hers. The above image shows Midler back in costume alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the three Sanderson Sisters. But this reunion isn't actually for the impending sequel, and I have to wonder if/how it might affect that developing Disney project.

The above image comes to us from Bette Midler's personal Instagram page, and shows the three Hocus Pocus stars back in costume filming new material. The upcoming virtual "Search of the Sanderson Sisters" is a fundraiser for the New York Restoration Project. Midler regularly uses social media to directly communicate with the public, and this reunion tease essentially broke the internet. But the future of Hocus Pocus 2 remains to be seen.

Hocus Pocus is currently available on Disney+. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

The last we heard about Hocus Pocus' developing sequel, it was being written by Workaholics' Jen D’Angelo and produced by The Notebook's Lynn Harris. Nothing is known about the movie's story, aside from the fact that all three of the Sandersons will be back. There's no telling if the story will include the return of other actors, although Thora Birch has expressed her interest in playing Dani again.

If the Hocus Pocus reunion "Search of the Sanderson Sisters" ends up breaking the internet, I'm eager to see how this affects the sequel's ongoing development. Perhaps this is a chance to test interest in a return to the franchise, and see how audiences respond to the cast's return. But clearly the original movie has a special place in many moviegoers' hearts.

In fact, the original Hocus Pocus recently returned to theaters and drive-ins around the country, especially as major releases are pushed back. The 1993 classic made a ton of money in the process, so it certainly feels like the Sanderson Sisters have put a spell on all of us. We'll just have to wait and see as plans for Hocus Pocus 2 come together moving forward.

CinemaBlend will keep you updated on all things Hocus Pocus 2 are more details become public. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next movie experience.

There haven’t been many big box office numbers this year. COVID-19 has caused some theater chains to shutter until 2021 and created countless delays for tentpole premieres because most of us just aren’t going to the movies. So it’s always surprising to hear about a movie crushing it at the box office -- especially when that movie is Hocus Pocus.

The beloved Disney Halloween classic starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy was re-released in 2,570 theaters around the United States this weekend. According to Deadline, it’s estimated to rake in between $1.6 and $1.8 million dollars, enough to make it the second highest grossing film in the country, behind Tenet.

If those numbers hold up, Hocus Pocus will earn the distinction of being the highest-grossing re-release of the COVID-19 era. Prior to that, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back held the record for 2020. Movies like Jaws and Jurassic Park have also seen limited returns to theaters this year.

Hocus Pocus’ unexpected success is impressive for a few different reasons. The film was first released in 1993, so it doesn’t exactly have a lot of buzz around it. It’s also widely available for fans to rent or buy and stream on various digital platforms. Plus, on October 1, the film aired on Freeform as recently as October 1st, and the Hocus Pocus event included Bette Midler live-tweeting.

According to Deadline, drive-in theaters accounted for most of the tickets sold. Still, the fact that fans are still willing to leave their homes to see a movie they’ve had plenty of access to is noteworthy.

It’s not clear what exactly drove the higher-than-expected turnout. To be fair, the nostalgia factor is in play. Plenty of people who were kids when Hocus Pocus first hit theaters are now at an age when they could be ready to introduce their own children to it. There’s also the fact that it’s a seasonal slam dunk. Hocus Pocus is the perfect movie to set the tone as we head into spooky season.

Whatever the reason, it’s fair to celebrate this as a small victory for theaters around the country, which have taken a huge hit due to COVID-19. There have been very few premieres this year as well as disappointing revenue for many that did make it to the big screen. As studios continue to turn to digital platforms to get movies to patrons around the country, it’s cool to see at least one movie perform better than expected.

Perhaps it’s time for studios to dust off some other classics -- Disney has The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and The Nightmare Before Christmas is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, there are plenty of creepy classics that could pique an older audience’s interest, the most obvious of which is Halloween.

What spooky movie would you like to see come back to the big screen? Let us know in the comments!

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Netflix has films that appeal to horror junkies, thrill-seekers, even hopeless romantics, and so many other movie genres. Its wide selection of movies is what makes it one of the most popular streaming services. And if you’re a fan of dance movies, then Netflix has plenty, including their latest film Work It.

Work It stars Sabrina Carpenter, Liza Koshy, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Jordan Fisher. The film follows teen Quinn (Sabrina Carpenter) as she forms a new dance group in order to impress an admissions representative at Duke University. The film takes a similar path as other dance movies: a studious girl spends her entire high school life studying, then she discovers the power of dance. Work It has all the ingredients of a fun dance movie, including the learning how to dance montage.

If you’ve already watched Work It, and are now in desperate need of some more dance movies in your life, then I have a few suggestions.

Save The Last Dance

What It's About: Julia Stiles plays aspiring ballerina Sara, who moves to an inner-city after her mother dies in a car accident. Sara gives up her dancing dreams because of the accident, that is until she meets Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), who helps her find her love of dancing again.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Work It and Save the Last Dance are kindred spirits in that they are both about teen girls who find their rhythm while falling in love. Unlike Quinn, Sara has a dance background, so dancing is already part of her nature, but she also must learn the complicated hip hop dance style.

Stream it on HBO Max here.

Rent It here.

Leap!

What It’s About: Leap! is an animated film featuring voice acting by Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff, and Carly Rae Jepsen. It’s about two orphans who run away to Paris. There, Félicie (Fanning) starts to train to become a ballerina.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Leap! is a lighthearted dance film that also revolves around someone who doesn’t have any formal dance training, but gets mentorship from a fallen expert. Félicie and Quinn both train and find their groove and achieve their dance dreams. For Quinn it’s winning the major Work It competition, for Félicie, it’s to perform alongside principal dancers.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Rent it here.

Footloose

What It’s About: Dancing is outlawed in small-town Bomont, Oklahoma, but rebel Ren (Kevin Bacon) refuses to just live a life without dancing and rock music. Footloose’s cast includes Lori Singer, Dianne Wiest, John Lithgow, Chris Penn, and Sarah Jessica Parker. The original film was released in 1984, and a remake was made in 2011.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Footloose and Work It highlight the power of dance and its symbolic tie to freedom and passion.The teens in Work It and Footloose discover their true identities through dancing.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Rent it here.

Center Stage

What It’s About: Center Stage follows several young dancers as they try to prove themselves at a prestigious dance academy. It details the personal and professional struggles they undergo to be considered one of the best ballet dancers. Much of Center Stage’s storyline revolves around Jody (Amanda Schull) not quite fitting the dance mold, but having a strong desire to prove herself. Center Stage’s cast includes Zoe Saldana, Peter Gallagher, Ethan Stiefel, Sascha Radetsky, and Susan May Pratt.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Work It and Center Stage both include a cast of real professional dancers, as most of the main cast of Work It has experience in dancing as well as acting. Jordan Fisher even won Dancing with the Stars. Both films are also underdog stories told in the dance world.

Stream on IMDBTV here.

Rent it here.

Battle

What It’s About: Battle is a Norwegian drama about Amalie (Lisa Teige), a rich girl who has her life turned upside down when her father loses his entire fortune. Amalie and her father have to move to a rougher area. Amalie still keeps her dance dreams, but ends up practicing in a free dance studio where she meets Mikael (Fabian Svegaard).

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Battle very much feels like a Norwegian Saved the Last Dance, so it’s all about a girl who is used to structured dancing finding a passion for hip-hop and the cute guy who instructs her. Work It also feels like a younger sibling to Save the Last Dance in how it takes a girl used to structure and discipline and allows her to find the beauty of listening to her heart and the beat.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Dirty Dancing

What It’s About: Dirty Dancing is a romantic movie about a resort dance instructor falling for one of the girls vacationing there. Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze) get to know each other and start to fall in love through dancing, but Baby’s father doesn’t trust Johnny, especially because he comes from a working-class family.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Work It plays up how Quinn and Jake (Jordan Fisher)’s attraction grows every time they dance together. Dirty Dancing and Work It demonstrate the seductive nature of dance and how it can create authentic chemistry between people.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Rent it here.

You Got Served

What It’s About: You Got Served is a dramedy about a street dance crew that battles other hip hop dancers. The dance crew has ups and downs before they try to win the big prize at the major dance competition hosted by MTV. You Got Served’s cast mainly consists of B2K band members, including Marques Houston, Omarion Grandberry, J-Boog Houston, Raz-B Thornton, and Lil Fizz Frederic. Steve Harvey also appears in the film as Mr. Rad, the owner of the club where many of the dance battles take place.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: You Got Served is a bit more serious than Work It but they’re both overall fun dance movies that don’t take themselves too seriously. Each film also has the power of friendship and being there for one another as one of the driving themes.

Stream it on IMDBTV here.

Rent it here.

Dance Academy: The Comeback

What It’s About: Dance Academy was an Australian teen series that aired from 2010 to 2013. In 2017, it had a continuation movie that followed some of the main characters from the series trying to make it in the dance world. The Dance Academy: The Comeback cast includes Xenia Goodwin, Alicia Banit, Jordan Rodrigues, Dena Kaplan, Thomas Lacey, and Keiynan Lonsdale.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Work It had a subplot about ambitious dancers trying to prove themselves to get into top-notch dance programs and universities. If Work It only focused on that aspect, then it would probably have a more similar plot to Dance Academy: The Comeback about the journey of young dancers. Both films also share Lonsdale as an actor.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Rent it here.

Fame

What It’s About: Fame follows a group of New York City teens as they attend a performing arts school. It follows the students from freshmen to senior year. The Fame cast includes Gene Anthony Ray, Irene Cara, Debbie Allen, and Lee Curreri.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Fame depicts various art forms and shows the obstacles that come with being an artist. It mixes these issues with typical teen problems, like meeting parental standards. Work It dealt with Quinn’s struggle to please her mother, while also feeling the draw towards dance. Fame and Work It share in that they don’t just address the struggles of a career n the arts, but also typical teen everyday difficulties.

Rent it here.

Bring It On

What It’s About: Torrance (Kirsten Dunst) has just become the cheer captain of the cheerleading squad the Toros. The Toros have won multiple national titles, but Torrance learns that they have won most of them by stealing dance moves from the Clovers team. Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, and Gabrielle Union also star. Bring It On later inspired a franchise of sequel films.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Bring It On is more of a cheerleading movie than a dance one, but they both deal with characters who have to start from scratch and find their own style of dance to compete on a grand scale level against a much better team.

Rent it here.

Strictly Ballroom

What It’s About: Baz Luhrmann directed and co-wrote Strictly Ballroom, an Australian romantic comedy about Scott (Paul Mercurio), a professional ballroom dancer who loses his partner and must train a newbie, Fran (Tara Morice) to compete in a major championship.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: If you were charmed by Quinn and Jake’s dance romance, you’ll be even more dazzled by Fran and Scott’s love story. Strictly Ballroom is a quirky dance movie that has a similar tone to Work It in its playful nature, but also passion and excitement for dance.

Rent it here.

Step Up

What It’s About: Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan star in Step Up as Tyler and Nora, two dancers from different backgrounds forced to pair up. Of course, after a combative partnership, they learn to understand each other and work together, and also fall in love. Step Up eventually had five spin-off films (and counting).

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Step Up and Work It both highlight how dancing can break down barriers and help people form bonds. They show how dance is universal and how the combination of dance styles leads to really fun final dance numbers.

Rent it here.

Billy Elliot

What It’s About: 11-year old Billy Elliot dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Billy has to hide that he takes lessons because his father and brother disapprove of his dream. Jamie Bell plays Billy.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Billy finds himself not being supported by his father because of how a boy ballet dancer will look to others. Quinn faces some similar parental disapproval from her mother, who believes she should just focus on her school work. Billy Elliot and Work It both end with the parents seeing the error of their ways and learning to support their children’s passions.

Rent it here.

Flashdance

What It’s About: Jennifer Beals plays Alex, a young woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.

Why Work It Fans Will Like It: Flashdance and Work It both focus on young women who have no professional dance training, but their determination allows them to try (and succeed) to compete when they go up against more seasoned professionals. Both films are also about taking chances, even when the odds seemed stacked against you.

Rent it here.

Work It is a cheery dance movie that doesn’t take itself seriously, allowing it to hit the right notes and beats. The films on this list have a similar love of dance spirit.

Stream Work It on Netflix.

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In between nonstop plays of 1993’s Hocus Pocus over the Halloween season, this question arises again: are we ever going to see a sequel? It’s a conversation that has cycled through the headlines from one spooky season to another for over five years. But since last year’s pumpkin month, Hocus Pocus 2 has made a ton of progress. The Disney+ title nabbed Hairspray’s Adam Shankman as its director, and now we go to the famed Sanderson sisters. Here’s what Sarah Jessica Parker just provided as an update:

Back in 2019. Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed that she, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy had signed on to Hocus Pocus 2, topping it off with “now we wait.” The Disney+ film is being written by Workaholics’ Jen D’Angelo and produced by The Notebook and The Shallows’ Lynn Harris. All other details about the sequel are under wraps, but the film’s all-grown-up Dani, Thora Birch, shared that she has been looped into the stories in development over the years.

The 1993 Halloween-set family film was initially a flop for Disney, but it could have had something to do with its July release date during Jurassic Park’s reign in theaters. In recent years, Hocus Pocus has become a huge hit on home video and during Freeform’s "31 Nights of Halloween" television event.

Sarah Jessica Parker has admitted to only seeing Hocus Pocus once and doesn’t particularly remember the plot of the film, but she has fond memories of making it. Other iterations of Disney’s return to Hocus Pocus in the past included a completely new cast and a script by Tina Fey for Disney Channel – an idea Bette Midler was vocally opposed to.

In 2018, some of the young cast reunited for the film's 25th anniversary for Freeform, and everyone is seriously an adult now! We’ll have to see if Disney brings back the entire cast of Hocus Pocus or if a new group of kids will accompany the Sanderson Sisters.

Adam Shankman is also signed on to direct the long-awaited Enchanted sequel, Disenchanted, for Disney, which Alan Menken is currently writing the music for ahead of production. Hocus Pocus is one of many nostalgic properties coming to Disney+ (you can sign up for a free 7-day trial), and feel free to run amuck on CinemaBlend for more exciting House of Mouse news.

Halloween is a time for candy, not gifts, but Hocus Pocus fans got a major present when the news broke a couple of weeks ago that not only would the holiday classic be getting a sequel film for Disney+, but it was looking to bring back the original cast. And if there was any doubt, we now know that the Sanderson Sisters will indeed take flight again. That’s because Sarah Jessica Parker has confirmed that the original Hocus Pocus cast has signed on for a sequel, saying:

Sarah Jessica Parker posted an image from the “I Put A Spell On You” scene in Hocus Pocus on her Instagram account for Halloween, and a fan asked her about the possibility of a sequel. The actress responded with this happy confirmation that herself, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy have all agreed to appear in Hocus Pocus 2. That’s encouraging because although the initial report about the sequel stated that Disney wanted the original actors to reprise their roles, that wasn’t a guarantee that they would.

So if there was any concern that the trio wouldn’t return for the sequel, that obstacle has been cleared and they are all signed on. She may not even remember the original Hocus Pocus, but based on her Instagram post, Sarah Jessica Parker seems happy to be coming back for Hocus Pocus 2, and fans of the original are undoubtedly thrilled as well (I can't speak for the haters).

Of course, just because the Black Flame Candle is now lit doesn’t mean we’ll be watching Hocus Pocus 2 in time for Christmas. As the actress who played the dumb-witted siren Sarah Sanderson said, now that they are all signed on, they just have to wait and so will we.

Disney just brought on Jen D’Angelo to write the script for Hocus Pocus 2, so that will need to be completed before this film can start moving forward. Nevertheless, having the original trio of actresses aboard is a major first step towards delivering the Hocus Pocus sequel that fans of the original want to see.

What’s funny about having this confirmation from Sarah Jessica Parker is that for a long time, it didn’t seem like a Hocus Pocus sequel would bring back the original cast. At one point, Tina Fey was working on a Hocus Pocus movie of some sort, and a couple of years back, we heard about the film getting a remake for the Disney Channel with an all-new cast.

That was odd considering that Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy and Bette Midler have made it known they wanted to return. Needless to say, fans of Hocus Pocus did not like this remake idea, so it’s cool that two years later, we now have confirmation of a Hocus Pocus 2 with the original cast.

We still don’t know what this movie will be about other than the fact that we’ll see the Sanderson Sisters again. There was a sequel novel released last year, but it’s unclear how much inspiration, if any, the sequel film will draw from that. We also don’t know whether any of the other cast members from the 1993 classic will be returning, like Omri Katz, Thora Birch or Vinessa Shaw. But for now, fans can run amok knowing that the Sanderson Sisters are back.

We’ll keep you updated on Hocus Pocus 2 as news develops. In the meantime, check out our 2019 Release Schedule to see what movies you can look forward to this year.

Today is Halloween, with all the candy and costumes that come with the occasion. But there's also plenty of Halloween-focused content to watch, with perhaps the most popular of all time being Disney's Hocus Pocus. The 1993 classic was a box office failure when it debut in theaters, but it's since become a cult classic-- and one that is an annual part of the Halloween experience.

The true stars of Hocus Pocus are the wacky and musical Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. The latter plays delightfully dumb witch Sarah Sanderson, but it turns out that the Sex and the City icon doesn't remember much about the actual movie. As she recently divulged to Stephen Colbert,

Well, that's interesting. Despite the cultural impact Hocus Pocus has had on generations of kids, Sarah Jessica Parker is surprisingly blasé about it all. It's just one of the actress' many acting credits-- and she probably isn't watching it every year like the rest of us.

SJP's Hocus Pocus comments come from her recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Her casual affection toward the Kenny Ortega movie is in stark juxtaposition to the adoration Hocus Pocus gets every October. The movie gained its cultural impact by being played on syndication for the past few decades, and many cinephiles are able to quote every line Sarah Sanderson says throughout the campy comedy. Sarah Jessica Parker just can't do the same.

While Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't seem to remember the plot and events of Hocus Pocus, she does have fond memories from her time on set. During her same conversation on The Late Show, Parker expressed how much she loved flying throughout the course of the movie. During action sequences, comedic beats, and even her brief song, Carrie Bradshaw was up in the air-- and she brought along some reading material.

The harnesses and wires needed to make movie and TV characters fly are usually referred to as slightly torturous and painful, but Sarah Jessica Parker didn't have the same experience. Because rather than being brought down to the ground in between takes, she was happy to stay in the air and read The New York Times. Perhaps she needed some mental stimulation after playing a dumb witchy blonde in Hocus Pocus.

Hocus Pocus is probably on TV at this very moment, so check your local listings. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

When Andy Cohen makes his way to the Met Gala, you know there's a story to tell. Sure enough, the Bravo talk show host and producer had quite a trip, in more ways than one. During the after show of Watch What Happens Live, Cohen recounted his experience at the media-friendly fashion event, and how he was not exactly sober during the proceedings. Here's how Andy described his time at this year's Met Gala.

As seen in the talk show clip, the Met Gala storytelling began when Andy Cohen was answering viewer questions alongside his guests, model Winnie Harlow and celeb stylist Brad Goreski. When asked which celebrity they saw get the most drunk after the Met Gala after party, he began dishing out details about a certain talk show host who isn't Jimmy Fallon (note: Jimmy Kimmel wasn't in attendance, it seems...). Additionally, Winnie confessed that George Clooney was having a darn good time. That's when Andy Cohen confessed that he had an edible during the New York City gathering, and he was feeling good. Like, real good. Evidently, while there were quite a few people having a ball at the high profile fashion event, Andy Cohen was on a whole other level entirely.

Check out the talk show clip below.

In addition to his Met Gala activities, Andy Cohen also earned some attention recently for getting Meghan Markle's BFF Priyanka Chopra to spill the beans -- i.e. spill the tea -- on the Royal Wedding details. The Quantico actress wasn't willing to confess too much about the May 19th ceremony, however, she did reveal that Meghan Markle cried when she said yes to her dress. We'll have to garner a peek at the gown in less than two weeks. When it comes to Watch What Happens Live, you know that you're going to get the juiciest details from Andy Cohen. Whether it involves him or not.

Speaking of the Met Gala, the fashion-centric event earned a couple headlines this year for the people who didn't show up in addition to the celebrities who did. Case-in-point, Chrissy Teigen had a humorous response to not attending this year's hat-centric hotspot. Kanye West wasn't by his wife Kim Kardashian West's side either, as he is currently busy making a bunch of albums, in addition to a variety of other projects outside of the New York City area.