A first photo has been released showing us the actor Doug Jones returns as Billy Butcherson in the highly anticipated sequel Hocus Pocus 2. In the film Butcherson is “the undead lover who returns from the grave to fight the resurrected Sanderson sisters, for the first time in 29 years”. Director Anne Fletcher spoke to EW about seeing Jones return to the role, saying:
“Do something to your soul, it’s so surreal, it’s so mind-blowing. It’s in a moment of betrayal [in the scene], so you’re looking at this beloved character in such a way that he’s been hurt and blows your socks off. I’ll never forget it”.
Jones said of Billy’s return to character and new journey:
“I was really happy that Billy comes out of the grave talking. It’s a continuity between the first film and the second, that’s the first thing I heard. It keeps the purity and nostalgia alive for those who grew up with the first film, and for all the new fans we’re gathering now they will be thrilled with the modernization by the time we’re in, “he says, later adding:” Billy immediately came back to me, it was as scary as he was alive while I’ve been playing other characters all these years, but Billy is like, ‘I wanted my chance again.’ “
This possibility begins in the Fletcher sequel, when Billy’s eternal sleep is interrupted after a new group of teenagers (Belissa Escobedo, Whitney PeakAnd Lilia Buckingham) light the Black Flame Candle, ushering in a new reign of terror on contemporary Salem at the hands of the trio of witches (Bette Midler, Kathy NajimyAnd Sarah Jessica Parker). Jones confirms that Billy is still a friendly zombie and that his story in the sequel further enriches the soul hiding beneath his decaying flesh.
“His hatred of witches puts him on [the teens’] side, “Jones says, promising that fans will get a clearer look at his past relationship with Winifred” at the time, “before she poisoned him on May 1, 1693 for cheating on her with Sarah.
Later, Billy is still looking for love, albeit in a platonic sense. He finds it, says Fletcher, in what those who have seen the film have dubbed a “bromance” between Billy and Gilbert (Sam Richardson), the owner of the Salem Magic Shoppe, an occult tourist attraction operating in the old Sanderson Sisters cottage.
“It’s such a sweet and special little relationship and a side story,” notes Fletcher. Jones likens it to their “movie about their little friend going sideways as the movie goes on stage,” which he hopes fans will find “as charming and adorable” as he is.
Jones went on to talk about how great it was to get back to wearing the costume and makeup, which was exactly the same:
“At first it was pretty decrepit, and I come out of the grave looking exactly like it’s been two minutes. It was the exact same wig, they kept it on a mannequin on display for 29 years, they put it back on my head in the same style, it didn’t even need a touch up. The costume was rebuilt to be the same as the first one, so I looked exactly the same. It was so nostalgic for me to look in the mirror and go, ‘You’re 30 again.’ “
Hocus Pocus 2 will debut September 30 on Disney +.
by Jessica Fisher
Source: Geek Tyrant
