Hocus Pocus 2 Star Makes Unexpected Sanderson Sisters Comparison

New Hocus Pocus 2 star Sam Richardson makes an unexpected pop culture comparison to the film's central witch trio, the Sanderson sisters.

Hocus Pocus 2 Star Makes Unexpected Sanderson Sisters Comparison

Hocus Pocus 2 star Sam Richardson makes an unexpected comparison to the Sanderson sisters. The star joins singer Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as they reprise their roles in the long-awaited sequel to 1993’s family-friendly Halloween romp, Hocus Pocus. The three starred as witches in Salem, Massachusetts who attempt to capture the youth of several children so they can stay young forever. Following its release, Hocus Pocus became a cult classic and is now commonly watched by many families as part of annual Halloween traditions.

Officially announced in 2019, Hocus Pocus 2 will also see the return of Star Trek: Discovery‘s Doug Jones as the zombie Billy Butcherson. The film is directed by Dumplin’s Anne Fletcher and penned by Young Rock writer Jen D’Angelo. Richardson is also part of the cast, however, details about his character have been kept under wraps. Although key information about the upcoming film has yet to be revealed, Hocus Pocus 2 takes place 29 years after the events of the first movie and will focus on three high school students who must stop the Sanderson sisters as they unleash their magic on present-day Salem, Massachusetts.

In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Richardson made a rather unexpected comparison when discussing the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus 2. The star said that he went back and re-watched the original movie before filming the sequel. When asked if there was anything new that he noticed as an adult, Richardson shared that the Sanderson sisters remind him of the Three Stooges. Read what the actor said below.

I think as a kid you’re, like, Ah, there’s three funny ladies. But now there are three ladies who are funny in a very . . . There’s a parallel to the Three Stooges. Winifred is the Moe; Larry is Kathy Najimy’s character; and Sarah Jessica Parker, who is Sarah, is the Curly. And they play those comic dynamics. It was really fun to watch it done.

The Three Stooges were a comedy team dating back to the vaudeville era. The group’s lineup shifted over the years with one of their most popular configurations consisting of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard. The group was known for its over-the-top physical humor and slapstick comedy. The Three Stooges featured in 220 films since the team’s start in Hollywood with its last film Sappy Bull Fighters released in 1959.

Richardson’s comparison is a good one in regard to the Sanderson sisters’ chemistry with one another. The three sisters effortlessly complement each other’s energy and comedy styles. Moe and Winifred both take charge in their groups, while Larry and Mary follow their lead but challenge when necessary. Parker’s Sarah Sanderson and Curly are the most playful of the trio. Hopefully, Midler, Najimy, and Parker will resurrect their Three Stooges-like chemistry when Hocus Pocus 2 releases on Disney+ on September 30.