Oh, happy day!Sister Actis back. The year was 1992 when a certain gifted yet unruly lounge singer in disguise caused a stir in a convent and ended up revamping the religious choir in the funniest way possible, rising as one of the most iconic fictional figures in the cinematic landscape — brought to us byWhoopi Goldberg’s brilliant performance. A year after, Goldberg got back in the habit and worked her magic to rejuvenate a hopeless school doomed for closure. Also, as ironic as it may sound, the secondSister Actgarnered a strong cult following despite the negative reviews and the movie’s apparent Catholic element. And now, the saga continues as the comedienne slashEGOT winneronce again dons the habit and resurrects her nun persona for the third film of theSister Actfranchise.
The threequel has undoubtedly come a long way. Once, on the 20th anniversary ofSister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Goldberg even plainly rejected the idea. However, she gradually changed her stance to a maybe, for she had doubts about the realization of the project because of the missing cast members, and eventually reached a yes in 2017. Yet it wasn’t until 2018 that the thirdSister Actmovie was officially in motion. The 30-year-long road to the threequel continues steadily, albeit slowly. Even so, there have been several verified updates we can all wake up and pay attention to.
Sister Act 3: The Plot
Unfortunately, not much is known about the plot of this long-awaited follow-up other than it will cater to the feel-good quality the first two movies upheld. Also, the screenplay is definitely in the works, as Goldbergrevealed viaThe Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallonthat it already came in last November, and while she “really liked it,” the script still has to “go through many adults.” Moreover, the story is told to be “just what the country needs.” Amid the vague details, one thing is for sure: there will be lots and lots of singing. After all, there’d be noSister Actwithout its core, the fantastic rendition of the best pieces of music.
Related:The 12 Best Soundtrack Moments in Movies, Ranked
Sister Act 3: The Cast
First off, it’s made abundantly clear that the one and only Whoopi Goldberg will play Deloris and channel her inner wisecracking Sister Mary Clarence’s alter-ego for the big screen once more. However, the same amount of certainty can’t be applied to who will star alongside Goldberg inSister Act 3. But, of course, there has been some buzz around the topic. Keke Palmer has vocally manifested her interest in joining the film ever since the production was greenlit, and good for her, Goldberg reciprocates. In addition, the lead star also shared that she’d like to add Lizzo and Nicki Minaj to the cast list, which would be absolutely wonderful if realized. Jimmy Fallon, too, gave a firm OK when asked if he’d like to pop up as a cameo.
Additionally, the possibility of past cast members’ appearances in this upcoming feature isn’t entirely off the cards. In fact, Goldberg teased that the students, including the pre-fame Jennifer Love Hewitt and Lauryn Hill, fromSister Act 2: Back in the Habitmight appear in this threequel. On a related note, Jenifer Lewis, who played the role of Michelle in the first installment, is very much interested in returning to the franchise.
Furthermore, since legacy sequels just won’t feel complete without its principal cast, Kathy Najimy, who brought the cheery Sister Mary Patrick to life, is on board with reprising her role again. And even though Wendy Makkena, the actress who acted as the shy (and surely no longer a novitiate) Sister Mary Robert, has yet to comment on her reprise, it seems fans can expect it to transpire, seeing as how she gladly participated in theSister Actreunion inThe Viewback in 2017, and therefore, would be up for one that’s of similar reuniting nature. Lastly, another significant character whose presence is highly requested is Mother Superior, personified bythe legendary Dame Maggie Smith. Whether Smith is joiningSister Act 3’scast list or not remains unknown, yet Goldberg, like many of us, wishes for her return. She evenpublicly pleadedso during theLoose Womenshow, willing to adjust the filming logistics to meet Smith’s needs because, as the Deloris actress said, the film won’t be the same without her.
Related:These Are the Best Legacy Sequels, Ranked
Release Date
No date has been specified, butSister Act 3is set to grace the virtual chambers of Disney+ soon. We may even get a 2024 release date should the production progresses without a hitch.
Everything Else We Know
Joyful, joyful, Lord;Sister Act 3has found itself a capable bunch of creative team. Tim Federle, most notably known as the creator ofHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Series, will take the directing duty, while the screenwriting honor goes to Madhuri Shekar, the writer of the first six episodes ofThe Nevers. Meanwhile, the appointed producers are Goldberg and the creator and performer ofthe famed Madea character, Tyler Perry, without whom the movie wouldn’t have been possible, for it was he who initially expressed interest in a thirdSister Actfeature, prompting studio executives to take the idea into serious consideration.
All uncertainties aside, fans are just grateful to haveSister Act 3happen at all. The fact that we will witness our favorite nun delivering quips on screen one more time alone is enough to make the wait forSister Act 3’sfurther confirmed details and arrival on Disney+ worthwhile.
