Thread by @TODAYshow

Audiences are raving about @misstaylorpaige’s performance as young Winifred Sanderson #HocusPocus2 — and so are we.

Here’s what she had to say about this experience. on.today.com/3fRb43a

The original movie starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy came out in 1993 — 14 years before the 15-year-old was born.

“I had watched this movie every Halloween for as long as I can remember,” she told @LeighTVReporter. on.today.com/3fRb43a

The entire process — including rewatching the original about 40 times on her own accord for research purposes — took about two months starting in July of 2021, Henderson said. on.today.com/3fRb43a

No longer watching it for fun, Henderson carefully studied Midler’s Winifred: Who she was as a person, her relationship with her sisters and Midler’s innate mannerisms on screen like how she talks, the way she reacts to things, and more. on.today.com/3fRb43a

She got to chat with @BetteMidler once about playing Winifred while on set: “Bette said to embody the character more than I think is necessary. Bigger is always better with her.”

📸: @misstaylorpaige via Instagram / Disney
on.today.com/3fRb43a

During production, Henderson watched the original film each night prior to filming, which she said lasted about twenty days on set in Rhode Island, alongside her on-screen co-stars @jujubrener and Nina Kitchen.
on.today.com/3fRb43a

Out of all the praise Henderson’s been receiving, there is one opinion that mattered most to Henderson: Midler's herself.

“She said she really, really likes me in the movie, which was amazing. That is all I wanted and all I needed,” Henderson said.
on.today.com/3fRb43a