Doug Jones has addressed his potential return as Billy Butcherson, the zombie ex-boyfriend of witch Winnie Sanderson (Bette Midler), within the upcoming Hocus Pocus 3. The authentic 1993 film was a theatrical disappointment however grew to become a cult basic off the again of Halloween viewing, prompting a Disney+ legacy sequel in 2022 that includes the return of Jones and Midler together with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as Winnie's sisters Sarah and Mary. No solid members have been formally confirmed for the upcoming Hocus Pocus 3, although returning director Anne Fletcher and screenwriter Jen D'Angelo are connected.
Screen Rant had the chance to take a seat down for an interview with Doug Jones whereas he was selling his title position within the upcoming David Lee Fisher horror film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, to not be confused with the upcoming Robert Eggers remake of the identical silent horror basic starring Bill Skarsgård. When requested about the opportunity of returning to the position of Billy, he expressed enthusiasm for the concept, saying he loves the character and that even earlier than making Hocus Pocus 2, “I really wanted to find out more about him.”
However, he has not but been approached to reprise his position within the new film. He says this is identical course of that occurred with the earlier installment, as “they needed to secure the three ladies first.” However, “if that call comes, my answer's a big fat yes.” Read Jones' full quote beneath:
No, sadly, as a lot as I do about this. I noticed the identical press launch that Disney put out that you simply did and everyone did, that they'd an element three in improvement. But I'll inform you, I'm not going to be the primary one they name, as a result of even with Hocus Pocus 2, I received a name later within the pre-production sport, as a result of they wanted to safe the three girls first. Once their contracts have been all signed and dated, that is once I received a name that they have been going forward and so, then, Billy's again in the second. So would I do an element three? Abso-freaking-lutely, I might. If that supply comes, sure. But story-wise, I do not know who's concerned, who could be concerned within the improvement proper now. Will the three authentic witches come again? Will Billy come again? That's all but to be decided from my finish. I haven't got part of these discussions. It's a bit above my pay grade. Well, and once more, if that decision comes, my reply's an enormous fats sure. I like Billy a lot. And even from half one to half two, being a 29-year hole in these two motion pictures, should you had requested me earlier than Hocus Pocus 2 was ever made, “Is there a character you wanted to revisit in your career?” Billy's the one. I actually wished to search out out extra about him, his backstory, extra of his relationship with Winnie, what went incorrect there. And we received a few of that in Hocus Pocus 2, so I used to be very happy with that. And I'm additionally form of tickled pink that it has been residing on Disney+ ever because it got here out — the second, the sequel. And now, for the primary time, it's going to be airing all month lengthy in October, enjoying as a double characteristic with Hocus Pocus 1, so those that have nonetheless have cable TV will have the ability to see it on the Freeform channel all month.
The Movie's Progress Is Still Opaque
While Doug Jones can not provide perception into how a lot progress has been made with the screenplay for Hocus Pocus 3, these new feedback from the horror film actor do appear to point that there aren't any main updates available on the seemingly dormant undertaking. If he had heard from the manufacturing about probably signing on, that doubtless would imply that Midler, Parker, and Najimy have been already on board, however the truth that he hasn't and that their casting has not but been introduced doubtless means the film remains to be in an early stage of improvement.
Doug Jones is greatest recognized for taking part in monsters, significantly within the horror style, together with the Amphibian in
The Shape of Water
, the Pale Man in
Pan's Labyrinth
, and the title character in
The Bye Bye Man
.
However, Jones' feedback mirror the continued enthusiasm of the Hocus Pocus 2 solid concerning the thought of doubtless showing in a sequel. In addition to nearly all of the solid supporting the concept across the time the earlier installment was launched, in November 2023, Hannah Waddingham (who performed the Mother Witch) advised The Hollywood Reporter “I would be so down for that” and in July 2024 Midler herself prodded Disney by way of an EW interview to “get us while we're still breathing.”
The Sequel Could Be Worth The Wait
While Doug Jones' feedback spotlight the delays within the manufacturing of Hocus Pocus 3, it's potential that taking time to place the film collectively may lead to a extra considerate and properly put-together film. This may assist the franchise keep on its toes after a middling viewers reception for the 2022 title, which has a Rotten Tomatoes viewers rating of 47% in comparison with the unique film's considerably stronger 72%. However, it will doubtless even be greatest to strike whereas the solid stays enthusiastic, so Jones' feedback might assist spur the sequel's producers into motion.
Source: Screen Rant, The Hollywood Reporter, & EW
