Disney's Worries: Bette Midler's Winnie Performance in Hocus Pocus Sparked Fear
Bette Midler's spellbinding portrayal of Winnie in Hocus Pocus was absolutely pivotal, injecting the perfect blend of humor and eccentricity into the film
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Bette Midler's performance as Winifred in Hocus Pocus initially concerned Disney, but she stood her ground and embraced the goofy and wacky direction she wanted to take.
Midler's portrayal of Winifred in Hocus Pocus showcased her transformation into an extravagant and unrecognizable character, marking a notable departure from her previous roles. However, this bold move ultimately proved to be successful and established her rendition of Winifred as iconic. The inclusion of Midler's camp aesthetic and vibrant energy added a crucial and heightened sense of campiness to the supernatural elements of the movie, contributing significantly to its overall success.
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega shares Disney's initial concerns about Bette Midler's portrayal of Winifred, the witch in the supernatural film. Midler, along with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, plays one of the iconic Sanderson Sisters who haunt Salem, Massachusetts. Despite these concerns, Midler's performance has now earned praise and she has become a Halloween movie icon. Ortega reveals that Disney was unsure about the direction Midler wanted to take with the role but she stood her ground. He mentions that she portrayed Winifred as goofier and wackier than Disney anticipated, and some were initially put off by her appearance compared to her previous roles.
"When Disney initially witnessed Bette's desired approach, they hesitated, expressing uncertainty about whether it aligned with their vision. However, Bette remained determined, insisting that this was the path she wanted to pursue. She made it clear that if they wanted her to play the role, they would need to be flexible and accommodating."
"Perhaps Bette's quirky and unconventional portrayal, with its exaggerated and eccentric qualities, unsettled some individuals who could not fully grasp the larger story that lay ahead. They failed to understand why Bette found such comfort in this character. It seems that the heavy makeup hindered Bette's true essence from shining through, ultimately concealing her beneath the surface. Bette's intention was to immerse herself completely in this uninhibited character, rendering herself unrecognizable. I believe this aspect unsettled people."
"Eventually, they relaxed, and the first dailies that came in. Everybody was laughing and happy."
Why Bette Midler’s Performance Was Essential For Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus marked a significant shift for Midler in her career. Prior to this horror classic, she was primarily known for her music and comedic roles in films like Beaches, Ruthless People, and Down and Out in Beverly Hills. This film was a departure for Midler, requiring her to transition from her usual loveable leading lady persona into a character who exudes creepiness.
This bold choice ended up paying off, as Midler's portrayal of Winifred in Hocus Pocus has become one of her most iconic performances. With her extravagant costumes and unsettling bucked teeth, Winifred is a larger-than-life character who exists outside of reality. Midler's over-the-top acting adds an extra layer of campiness to the film.
Winifred's camp aesthetic and aura are crucial to the essence of Hocus Pocus. With her distinct energy, Bette Midler's portrayal of Winifred anchors the group of witches and brings life to the entire supernatural film. Fans of Hocus Pocus had the opportunity to rediscover Winifred in Hocus Pocus 2, and they eagerly await her return once more in Hocus Pocus 3.
Source: EW
Editor's P/S
Bette Midler's performance as Winifred in Hocus Pocus was nothing short of iconic. Her portrayal of the witch was both humorous and eccentric, and it perfectly fit the tone of the film. Despite Disney's initial concerns, Midler's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike. She truly made the role her own, and it's hard to imagine anyone else playing Winifred.
I remember when I first saw Hocus Pocus as a child, I was immediately drawn to Winifred. She was so different from any other character I had ever seen before. She was funny, scary, and glamorous all at the same time. Midler's performance made Winifred one of my favorite movie villains, and I still love her to this day. I'm so glad that she stood her ground and fought for her vision of the character. Her performance in Hocus Pocus is truly unforgettable.
