Taylor Paige Henderson Unearths the Origins of Winifred Sanderson in Disney+’s ‘Hocus Pocus 2’
After nearly three decades, the highly anticipated return of the Sanderson sisters has finally arrived with the premiere of Disney+’s original film, Hocus Pocus 2. This Halloween spectacular, which debuted on September 30, transports fans back to the enchanting—and often chaotic—world of Salem, Massachusetts, delving deeper into the lore of its iconic witch trio. A significant aspect of this long-awaited sequel involves insightful flashbacks that shed light on the formative years of the Sanderson sisters, revealing how they first embraced their magical powers and solidified their infamous bond. Central to these origin stories is the portrayal of a teenage Winifred Sanderson, brought to life by the talented young actress, Taylor Paige Henderson. Her performance offers audiences a captivating glimpse into the nascent wickedness and burgeoning ambition of the future leader of the coven, a role previously immortalized by the legendary Bette Midler.
Securing the coveted role of young Winifred was a momentous achievement for Taylor, culminating a rigorous and lengthy audition process. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Taylor shared her exhilaration upon receiving the news. “When I found out I got the role, I was so excited. I just felt this huge feeling of relief because I’d been going through the audition process and callback process for so long at that point,” she recounted. The emotional weight of the announcement was palpable, transforming weeks of anticipation and dedicated effort into a profound sense of accomplishment. “I was just so excited, and it was such a huge honor that I get to play this role.” This sentiment underscores the immense respect and enthusiasm Taylor brought to stepping into the shoes of such an iconic character, a character deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Halloween entertainment.
Taylor’s commitment to embodying Winifred Sanderson began long before she even officially joined the cast. During her audition phases, she immersed herself in the original Hocus Pocus, watching it “so many times” to meticulously study Winifred’s distinctive mannerisms, expressions, and vocal inflections. This diligent preparation was crucial in ensuring her portrayal would resonate with fans while establishing a foundation for the character’s younger self. Once cast, her research intensified. “I watched the movie every night before going on set,” she revealed, turning her preparatory viewings into a nightly ritual. Her dedication extended beyond the film itself; she delved into countless interviews with Bette Midler, the legendary actress who originated the role, seeking to understand the nuances of Midler’s creative process and her approach to bringing Winifred to life. However, one particular opportunity stood out as an unparalleled resource for her character study.
Among the myriad resources Taylor utilized, a truly invaluable experience was the chance to witness Bette Midler’s camera test firsthand. This rare observation proved to be, in Taylor’s words, “the best character study I could ever get.” It offered her an intimate, unfiltered look at Midler’s method, allowing her to absorb the subtle facial expressions, physical comedy, and vocal quirks that define Winifred Sanderson. Beyond observation, Taylor was also privileged to engage in direct conversations with Midler herself, an experience she described as a dream come true. “She is such a legend and so generous with advice and so kind. Just to be in her presence is so amazing,” Taylor reflected. Their discussions were comprehensive, touching upon various facets of Winifred’s persona. “We talked about the character and how she portrays Winnie, how she’s always moving and got her hands going and her faces. We talked about how she looks and how her hair is such a big part of her personality.” These invaluable pointers from the original Winifred helped Taylor sculpt her own portrayal, ensuring a seamless connection between the young witch and her future, fully-formed counterpart.
The journey to physically transform into young Winifred was, as Taylor described, a “long process” involving intricate details to capture the character’s distinct appearance. Before filming commenced, Taylor underwent multiple fittings and molding sessions, each step meticulously crafted to bring the iconic witch to life. “I had to get my wig fitted, and then I had to have my teeth molded,” she explained. These elements were not merely props but custom-made artistry, with her wig and teeth handcrafted by skilled artisans, adding an authentic touch to her transformation. The numerous costume fittings stretched over a significant period, gradually building towards the final look. The moment of culmination, when she first saw herself fully adorned as Winifred, was a truly surreal and exhilarating experience. “So when I finally saw myself in costume, it was so cool and so surreal,” Taylor recalled, highlighting the magic of seeing her hard work and the collaborative efforts of the production team come to fruition.
Taking on a role with such a rich history and devoted fanbase naturally came with its own set of challenges, particularly the pressure of doing justice to a character as beloved as Winifred Sanderson. Taylor admitted that the initial prospect of portraying a younger version of Winifred was “very overwhelming.” “It is a character that everyone loves and from such an iconic movie, I was scared of how I would be able to do the character justice,” she confessed. However, this initial trepidation didn’t deter her; instead, it became a powerful motivator. “But that just really drove me to do so much character study and so much hard work.” She meticulously worked to master what she affectionately termed “Winnisms,” the unique mannerisms and quirks that define Winifred. Her dedication ensured that her portrayal was not merely an imitation but a genuine embodiment, connecting with the established character while adding fresh depth. “It was such an honor to bring Bette Midler’s character to life because she’s such a legend. But it was intimidating at first,” Taylor reiterated, acknowledging the high stakes and immense satisfaction of contributing to the legacy of the Sanderson sisters.
The inclusion of flashback sequences in Hocus Pocus 2, spearheaded by Taylor Paige Henderson’s performance, enriches the overall narrative by providing an essential origin story for the Sanderson sisters. Fans have long speculated about the early lives of Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, and this sequel finally delivers on that curiosity, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped them into the formidable witches audiences adore. These scenes are crucial not only for character development but also for adding new layers to the magic and mythology of the Hocus Pocus universe. Taylor’s role as young Winifred is a cornerstone of this expanded lore, offering insights into her burgeoning leadership, her insatiable thirst for power, and the complicated dynamics within the sisterhood. This deeper dive into their past allows the sequel to stand proudly alongside the original, enhancing its enduring appeal and satisfying the nearly 30-year wait for a continuation of their bewitching tale.
When asked about the possibility of revisiting the role of young Winifred in future installments, Taylor’s enthusiasm was evident. “It would be so much fun. I’m always open to that idea,” she affirmed. Her willingness to reprise the character speaks volumes about the positive experience she had on set and her profound connection to Winifred. Given the enduring popularity of the *Hocus Pocus* franchise and the potential for further exploration of the sisters’ past or future, the door remains open for Taylor Paige Henderson to once again don the iconic wig and bring her interpretation of the young witch to a new generation of fans. Her memorable performance in Hocus Pocus 2 undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression, solidifying her place in the beloved Halloween saga.
Taylor Paige Henderson’s portrayal of young Winifred Sanderson is a testament to her talent and dedication, successfully navigating the complexities of an iconic role while contributing significantly to the highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 2. Her meticulous character study, invaluable guidance from Bette Midler, and commitment to the physical transformation culminated in a performance that both honored the original and forged new ground for the beloved villainess. As audiences continue to revel in the magic and mayhem of the Sanderson sisters’ return, Taylor’s contribution stands out as a critical element in understanding the origins of their enduring charm and wicked allure. Her journey from audition to embodying a younger Winifred provides a fascinating glimpse into the demanding yet rewarding world of bringing beloved characters to life on screen, cementing her as a promising young talent to watch.