December 26, 2024 3:17 pm

Hocus Pocus Director Reveals That Disney Initially Disliked Bette Midler’s Eccentric Performance
Hocus Pocus Director Reveals That Disney Initially Disliked Bette Midler’s Eccentric Performance

Hocus Pocus Director Reveals That Disney Initially Disliked Bette Midler’s Eccentric Performance

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega revealed in a recent interview that Disney executives hated Bette Midler’s animated performance and were hesitant to cast her for the role of Winnie (via ET Weekly). On Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, three children and a cat must survive the night after accidentally summoning three witches, the Sanderson sisters. Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Sean Murray, and Doug Jones star in the film. Ortega explained that studio executives thought Midler’s performance was too outrageous and animated for the role of Winnie. However, Midler was determined that the campy persona was the direction she wanted to play Winnie.

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​Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega revealed that Disney executives hated Bette Midler’s animated performance. Read More