Sister Act (franchise)

Sister Act is an American media franchise created by Paul Rudnick and currently consisting of two films: Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), and a Broadway musical.

Films

Sister Act (1992)

When a lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) sees her mobster beau, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, Deloris proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters. In an effort to keep her out of trouble, they assign Deloris to the convent's choir, an ensemble that she soon turns into a vibrant and soulful act that gains widespread attention.

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)

In the sequel, Las Vegas performer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) is surprised by a visit from her nun friends, including Sister Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy) and Sister Mary Lazarus (Mary Wickes). She soon finds out that she is needed in her nun guise as Sister Mary Clarence to help teach music to teens at a troubled school in hopes of keeping the facility from closing at the hands of Mr. Crisp (James Coburn), a callous administrator.

Future

Possible remake (TBA)

On June 3, 2015, a remake was confirmed to be in the works with Legally Blonde screenwriters Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah writing.^[1]

Sister Act 3 (TBA)

When asked in a 2013 appearance on Watch What Happens Live about acting in a sequel, Whoopi Goldberg initially refused,^[2] citing the passing of so many of her nun co-stars, stating "it's not Sister Act without them."^[2] But during a 2015 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, she changed her stance to a maybe,^[3] stating:

I generally say no to that, because so many of the nuns have passed and it just wouldn't feel right for me. I'm kind of old for it now. That's not to say I wouldn't do it, but it feels like there's a new generation for Sister Act and so maybe I can be a nun now.^[3][4]

After a Broad City cameo in 2016, Goldberg expressed doubts about a sequel based on missing cast members, but said she thought it would be fun and likable.^[5] In May 2017, she affirmed her desire for the third film to happen,^[6] adding in July that she would like to direct it and had confidence it would be made.^[7] On December 7, 2018, it was confirmed that Regina Y. Hicks and Karin Gist were hired to write the script to Sister Act 3 with it being planned for a release on Disney+.^[8] Goldberg confirmed again on October 7, 2020, during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden that she is working on the sequel and wants to bring as many of the original cast back for it as possible.^[9]

In December 2020, it was revealed that Goldberg had officially signed on to return as Deloris and that Tyler Perry would be producing and directing the film.^[10][11][12]

On the October 6, 2022 episode of The View, actress Kathy Najimy stated that she had not heard anything formal about Sister Act 3; but that she had "heard rumblings about it." When she asked Whoopi Goldberg if Sister Act 3 was actually happening, Goldberg replied: "It's happening";^[13] but did not publicly include or invite Najimy to be a part of it as she had with Jenifer Lewis and Tyler Perry live on the show days earlier.^[14][15] Goldberg did imply that Hocus Pocus 2 did help in getting Sister Act 3 the greenlight.^[13]

In October 2023, Goldberg traveled to Rome to meet Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City in preparation for the film.^[16] On February 7, 2024, Sheryl Lee Ralph, who played Florence Watson in the second film, confirmed that she would be reprising her role in the third film.^[17] Later that same month, Tyler Perry confirmed that the script was still being worked on.^[18] However, following Maggie Smith's, who played the Mother Superior in the films, passing on September 27, 2024, Whoopi Goldberg confirmed in November 2024 during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that the script was being readjusted to accommodate story changes.^[19] In March 2025, Goldberg confirmed that the script for the film is completed and that they're waiting for Disney to give the film the greenlight.^[20]

Reworked musical

A reworked version of the musical is expected to debut at the Curve, Leicester starring Brenda Edwards and produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Jamie Wilson.^[21]

Other media

Musical

The musical Sister Act, directed by Peter Schneider and choreographed by Marguerite Derricks, premiered at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California on October 24, 2006 and closed on December 23, 2006.^[22] It broke records, grossing $1,085,929 to become the highest grossing show ever at that venue.^[23] The production then moved to the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, where it ran from January 17 to February 25, 2007.^[24]

The musical then opened at the West End at the London Palladium on June 2, 2009, following previews from May 7. The production was directed by Peter Schneider produced by Whoopi Goldberg together with the Dutch company Stage Entertainment, and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, with set design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Lez Brotherston, and lighting design by Natasha Katz.^[25][26] Following a year-long search, 24-year-old actress Patina Miller was cast as Deloris, alongside Sheila Hancock as the Mother Superior, Ian Lavender as Monsignor Howard, Chris Jarman as Shank, Ako Mitchell as Eddie, Katie Rowley Jones as Sister Mary Robert, Claire Greenway as Sister Mary Patrick, and Julia Sutton as Sister Mary Lazarus.^[27] The musical received four Laurence Olivier Awards nominations including Best Musical.^[28] On October 30, 2010, the show played its final performance at the London Palladium and transferred to Broadway.^[29]

The musical opened at the Broadway Theater on April 20, 2011, with previews beginning March 24, 2011.^[30] Jerry Zaks directed the Broadway production^[31] with Douglas Carter Bean rewriting the book.^[32] Patina Miller, who originated the role of Deloris in the West End production, reprised her role, making her Broadway debut. She was later replaced by Raven-Symoné, also making her Broadway debut. The original Broadway cast featured Victoria Clark (Mother Superior), Fred Applegate (Monsignor), Sarah Bolt, (Sister Mary Patrick), Chester Gregory (Eddie), Kingsley Leggs (Curtis), Marla Mindelle (Sister Mary Robert), and Audrie Neenan (Sister Mary Lazarus).^[33] The musical received five Tony Award nominations including Best Musical.^[34]

The musical closed in August 2012 after playing 561 performances.

Cast and characters

Crew

Reception

Box office performance

Critical and public response

References

1. ^ Pulver, Andrew (June 3, 2015). "Back in the habit: Sister Act to be remade by Disney". The Guardian
2. ^ "After Show: Is 'Sister Act 3' Happening?". Bravo TV. 2014-10-28. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
3. ^ Katz, Evan Ross (December 17, 2015). "Oh Happy Day: Whoopi Goldberg Says She Wouldn't Say No To "Sister Act 3"". Logo TV. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. That's not to say I wouldn't do it, but it feels like there's a new generation for Sister Act and maybe I can be a nun now.
4. ^ Conradt, Stacy (May 29, 2017). "14 Faithful Facts About Sister Act". Mental Floss
5. ^ Brathwaite, Les Fabian (September 20, 2016). "Whoopi Goldberg on Weed, Being an Ally, & Sister Act 3". out.com On Sister Act 3: So many of my nuns are gone. I would love to do it, but we sort of send it out on stage-world domination, it's in all these different countries. But should they ever make a three it would be lots of fun, I think people would like it.
6. ^ "Whoopi Goldberg wants Sister Act 3 to happen". Attitude.co.uk. May 30, 2017. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
7. ^ McCreesh, Louise (July 19, 2017). "Whoopi Goldberg wants to direct Sister Act 3". Digital Spy. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
8. ^ Kroll, Justin (2018-12-07). "'Sister Act 3': 'Insecure' Executive Producer, 'Star' Showrunner to Write Sequel". Variety. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
9. ^ O'Kane, Caitlin (October 8, 2020). "Whoopi Goldberg says she's working to make "Sister Act 3" happen". CBS News. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
10. ^ "Disney Investor Day 2020". The Walt Disney Company. 2020-12-03. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
11. ^ Patten, Dominic (December 10, 2020). "'Sister Act 3' Officially Set For Disney+; Whoopi Goldberg Returning, Tyler Perry Producing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
12. ^ Jackson, Angelique (December 10, 2020). "Whoopi Goldberg to Return for Disney Plus' 'Sister Act 3,' Produced With Tyler Perry". Variety. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
13. ^ Nolfi, Joel (October 7, 2022). "Whoopi Goldberg tells Kathy Najimy Hocus Pocus 2 led to Sister Act 3 happening". Entertainment Weekly
14. ^ Nolfi, Joey (September 20, 2022). "Whoopi Goldberg promises Jenifer Lewis she's 'still going to do' Sister Act 3 with her". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
15. ^ Nolfi, Joey (September 22, 2022). "Tyler Perry says he has 'a good script' for Sister Act 3 with Whoopi Goldberg". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
16. ^ Evans, Greg (October 12, 2023). "Whoopi Goldberg Teases Reason For ‘View’ Absence: Meets Pope Francis & Imagines Vatican City Locations For ‘Sister Act 3’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
17. ^ Evans, Greg (February 7, 2024). "Whoopi Goldberg Invites ‘View’ Guest Sheryl Lee Ralph To Join Planned ‘Sister Act 3’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
18. ^ Pierre, Mekishana (February 23, 2024). "Tyler Perry Gives Update on 'Sister Act 3' With Whoopi Goldberg (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
19. ^ Rudoy, Matthew (November 7, 2024). "Whoopi Goldberg Shares Sister Act 3 Update After Maggie Smith's Passing: 'It's A Shift'". Screen Rant. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
20. ^ Brody, Lanae & Forward, Devon (March 2, 2025). "Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Promising New Update on 'Sister Act 3' (Exclusive)". Parade. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
21. ^ Gans, Andrew (Jul 10, 2019). "Brenda Edwards Will Star in Reworked Version of Sister Act Musical". Playbill. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
22. ^ Hernandez, Hernio (November 3, 2006). "Sister Act - Musical Based on Film - Opens World-Premiere Run Nov. 3". Playbill. Archived July 19, 2008 at the Wayback Machine.
23. ^ Sims, James (December 8, 2006). "Sister Act Sets Pasadena Playhouse Record". Broadway World
24. ^ "SISTER ACT the Musical listing". Alliance Theatre. Retrieved August 2, 2018.^{[dead link]}
25. ^ Gans, Andrew (November 13, 2008). "Habbit Forming: Whoopi Goldberg to Produce London Premiere of Sister Act". Playbill. Archived January 7, 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
26. ^ "Creative". Sister Act: The Musical. Archived from the original on September 14, 2010.
27. ^ "Sister Act Cast is announced". Sister Act: The Musical. January 29, 2009. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010.
28. ^ Shenton, Mark (February 8, 2010). "Spring Awakening, Enron and Red Score Big in Olivier Nominations". Playbill. Archived from the original on February 11, 2010.
29. ^ Shenton, Mark (May 7, 2010). "West End's Sister Act to Vacate London Palladium Oct. 30; Future Plans Announced". Playbill. Archived from the original on May 11, 2010.
30. ^ Hetrick, Adam (October 5, 2010). "Sister Act The Musical Will Open at the Broadway Theatre in April 2011". Playbill. Archived from the original on December 16, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
31. ^ Diamond, Robert (July 8, 2010). "SISTER ACT Confirms Broadway for Spring 2011; Zaks to Direct". Broadway World
32. ^ Lewis, Jessica (February 28, 2011). "It's Official: Douglas Carter Beane Joins 'Sister Act' Team". Broadway World.
33. ^ Hetrick, Adam (February 1, 2011). "Victoria Clark, Fred Applegate, Chester Gregory Will Be Part of Broadway's 'Sister Act'". Playbill.com. Archived February 4, 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
34. ^ Jones, Kenneth & Gans, Andrew (May 3, 2011). "2011 Tony Nominations Announced; Book of Mormon Earns 14 Nominations". Playbill. Archived from the original on September 14, 2011.
35. ^ Lewis, Jessica (March 7, 2012). "It's Official: She's Fabulous! Raven-Symone Joins SISTER ACT Mar. 27; Patina Miller Departs Mar. 18". Broadway World.
36. ^ "Sister Act (PG)". British Board of Film Classification. June 9, 1992. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
37. ^ "SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT (PG)". British Board of Film Classification. December 20, 1993. Archived from the original on October 14, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
38. ^ "Sister Act". PowerGrid. The Wrap. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
39. ^ "Sister Act (1992)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
40. ^ Jones, Vanessa (January 7, 1994). "'Sister Act 2' May Become Breakthrough For Filmmaker". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
41. ^ "Top 100 grossers worldwide, '93-94". Variety. October 17, 1994. p. M-56.
42. ^ "Sister Act (1992)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
43. ^ "Sister Act Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
44. ^ "Cinemascore :: Movie Title Search". December 20, 2018. Archived from the original on December 20, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
45. ^ "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
46. ^ "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 26, 2023.

External links

• Internet Broadway Database
• Sister Act Nun Run
• New York Times, November 13, 2008