The witchy Disney comedy, Hocus Pocus, wasn't a huge hit when it came out in 1993, but

it found a devoted following and became a Halloween staple over time, so much so that

it's finally got a sequel 29 years later.

I'm Stephen Thompson, today we are talking about Hocus Pocus 2 on Pop Culture Happy Hour

from NPR.

Joining me today is NPR producer Mallory Yu.

Hi Mallory.

I'm James.

Also joining us is writer Keanu Fitzgerald.

Hey Keanu.

Hey Stephen.

So in the original Hocus Pocus, a teenager in Salem, Massachusetts lights a candle and inadvertently

summons the Sanders and sisters, three notorious witches whose history dates back to the

Salem of the 1600s.

Flamboyant ringleader Winifred was played by Batmiddler, Goofy Mary was played by Kathy

Najimmi, and deeply eccentric Sarah was played by Sarah Jessica Parker.

She also had a talking black cat named Binks, a creepy spellbook with a roving eyeball, a

surprisingly helpful zombie named Billy Butterson, and several young people who do not at all

figure into the plot of Hocus Pocus 2.

Hocus Pocus 1 was not a box office hit, it was panned by critics, but it had a deep and

lasting cultural impact in part due to home video and cable, and in part due to its status

as a Halloween perennial.

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