Doug Jones has addressed his possible return as Billy Butcherson, the zombie ex-boyfriend of witch Winnie Sanderson (Bette Midler), in the upcoming film Hocus Pocus 3. The original 1993 film was a box office disappointment, but became a cult classic through Halloween viewing and sparked a Disney+ sequel in 2022, with Jones and Midler returning alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as Winnie’s sisters Sarah and Mary. No cast members have been officially confirmed for the upcoming film Hocus Pocus 3although returning director Anne Fletcher and screenwriter Jen D’Angelo are attached.

Screen rant had the opportunity to interview Doug Jones while promoting his title role in David Lee Fisher’s upcoming horror film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrornot to be confused with the upcoming Robert Eggers remake of the same silent horror classic starring Bill Skarsgård. When asked about the possibility of returning to the role of Billy, he expressed enthusiasm for the ideaHe said he loved the character, even before it was created Hocus Pocus 2“I really wanted to find out more about him.”

However, He has not yet been asked to reprise his role in the new film. He says that this is the same process that happened in the previous episode because “They had to secure the three queens first.” However, “When that call comes, my answer is a big fat yes.“Read Jones’ full quote below:

No, unfortunately you know as much about it as I do. I saw the same press release that Disney put out that you and everyone else did, that a third installment was in development. But I’m telling you, I won’t be the first to call because even with Hocus Pocus 2, I got a call later in the pre-production game because they had to secure the three queens first. When all their contracts were signed and dated, I got the call that they were moving on, and then Billy is back in the second one. So would I do part three? I would definitely do that. If the offer comes, yes. But as far as the story goes, I don’t know who is involved right now and who would be involved in the development. Will the three original witches return? Will Billy come back? From my side, this all still needs to be clarified. I have no part in these discussions. It’s a little above my pay grade. Well, and when that call comes, my answer is a big fat yes. I love Billy so much. And even between part one and part two, since there’s a gap of 29 years in those two films, before making Hocus Pocus 2 you would have asked me, “Is there a character that you wanted to revisit in your career?” “Billy is the right one. I really wanted to find out more about him, his backstory, more about his relationship with Winnie and what went wrong there. And we got some of that in Hocus Pocus 2, so I was very happy with that. And I’m also kind of thrilled that it’s been on Disney+ since its release – the second part, the sequel. And now it’s airing all month long for the first time in October, running as a double feature with Hocus Pocus 1, so those who still have cable TV can watch it on the Freeform channel all month long.

The progress of the film is still unclear

While Doug Jones can’t provide any insight into the script’s progress Hocus Pocus 3That’s what these new comments from the horror film actor do seem to indicate that there are no major updates to the seemingly dormant project. If he had heard from production about a possible signing, that would probably mean that Midler, Parker and Najimy were already on board, but the fact that he hasn’t and their casting hasn’t been announced yet probably means that the film is still in the early stages of development.

But Jones’ comments reflect the party’s continued enthusiasm Hocus Pocus 2 cast on the idea of ​​possibly appearing in a sequel. In addition to the fact that the majority of the cast supported the idea around the time of the previous installment’s release in November 2023, said Hannah Waddingham (who played the Mother Witch). The Hollywood Reporter “I would be so depressed about that” And In July 2024, Midler himself urged Disney about one EW Interview with “Get us while we’re still breathing.”

The sequel might be worth the wait

While Doug Jones’ comments highlight the delays in the production of Hocus Pocus 3that is possible Taking the time to put the film together could result in a more thoughtful and better put together film. This could help the franchise stay on its feet after a mediocre audience reception for the 2022 title, which has an audience rating of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the original film’s much better 72%. However, it would also probably be best to strike while the cast remains excited, so Jones’ comments could help spur the sequel’s producers into action.

Source: Screen Rant, The Hollywood Reporter and EW