While NBC is celebrating its 25th anniversary... ...so is Hocus Pocus. It’s a dated film that has somehow recently become a cult classic. I’m not sure if it’s as popular with anyone born after Y2K, though I know some adults who have only recently seen it for the first time in the last few years and they’ve enjoyed it. While Disney only recently added them to Mickeys NSSH, the majority of Disney fans have never gone to WDW during that event, if ever.
The film is so dated, yet still popular with an older generation that they are remaking the classic for a modern audience. I don’t think this will have a theatrical release, but even the original was only supposed to be a Disney Channel movie. This is the first year that I know of that the film has been rereleased to theaters, finally getting a showing in October. I think that was the problem. It was given a July release. You don’t go to see a Halloween movie in July unless you have absolutely nothing better to do and there’s nothing else better showing that you haven’t already seen. That was my family, but I’m glad we did it.
Realizing that there is money in merchandise, and only so much NBC products they can sell, they’ve decided to finally give this film the attention it deserves. Spencer’s Gifts, which own those Spirit Halloween stores that pop up every year, started selling HP products last year I believe. They now have a larger selection this year and can’t keep them in stock. They will definitely have to order a lot more for next year. The
Disney Store has also started selling HP merch (but not much) this year. There is money in 90s nostalgia. Just as much as 80s nostalgia.
But while I really love the Sanderson Sisters, and would like to see them, their presence in the game, it would be as awkward as the Pirates OTC. Pirates, at least, have a park ride, and multiple movies. HP was pretty much forgotten until ABC family started airing it ONCE a year. Now they treat it like A Christmas Story and have 24 hour marathons. I don’t think this games targeted demographic has ever seen Hocus Pocus OR Pirates, or ever care to.