Sister Act 3 needs some “readjustments” following Dame Maggie Smith‘s death.
The long-awaited movie has been in the works for some time. However, star Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed the project has been delayed while scripts are rewritten after Smith — who played Mother Superior in both the 1992 original and 1993 sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit — passed away in September at 89.
The original Sister Act was a massive box office success, grossing over $231 million worldwide against a modest budget of $31 million. The film’s success led to an immediate sequel and later inspired a successful Broadway musical adaptation in 2006, which has since been performed in multiple countries and languages.
“We’re having to make some readjustments because we just lost Maggie Smith, as you know,” Goldberg said in an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” “And so, we will get it done. We will get it done. It just is a shift.”
Earlier this year, Goldberg — who plays Deloris Van Cartier in the film franchise — teased the film would be around “soon” but had no specific date to offer. What many fans might not know is that the role of Deloris was originally written for Bette Midler, who turned it down. The part was then offered to Whoopi Goldberg, who made it her own and earned widespread acclaim for her performance.
“I can say it’s coming. It’s coming around the mountain when it comes. It’ll be here soon. I’m excited. It’s time for it, you know, it’s time.” she told “Entertainment Tonight.”
After years of delays, the EGOT winner thinks now is the right time for the movie. Goldberg’s commitment to the franchise runs deep, as she not only starred in but also served as an executive producer on Sister Act 2, demonstrating her early understanding of the importance of having creative control in Hollywood.
“Because we need to laugh, you know? I don’t know what we’re going into; but whatever it is, I’m gonna need to chuckle a lot … I think I’m good when I make other people laugh, too,” she explained.
“The ‘View” cohost — who is also producing the movie along with Tyler Perry — previously revealed she had offered Pope Francis a cameo in the film because he seemed to be “a bit of a fan.” This isn’t the first time the franchise has had religious connections; the original film received the blessing from the Catholic Church and was even screened at the Vatican.
“I offered one. He said he’d see what his time was like,” Goldberg said.
In October 2022, the Color Purple star admitted she would love Nicki Minaj, Lizzo and Keke Palmer to be cast in Sister Act 3. This follows the tradition of the franchise featuring musical talents, as the second film notably launched the career of Lauryn Hill.
“I want everybody,” Goldberg said to host Charlamagne Tha God on Comedy Central’s “Hell of A Week.” “I want as many people who want to have some fun because I really, desperately need to have some fun.”
The Sister Act franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture, with the original film’s soundtrack going platinum and reaching number 74 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The sequel’s soundtrack also achieved significant success, featuring gospel-inspired versions of popular songs that continue to resonate with audiences today.
The franchise’s impact extends beyond entertainment, as it has inspired real-life initiatives in music education and community outreach programs. The film’s theme of using music to bridge social and cultural divides has resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to various community choir programs named after or inspired by Sister Act.
Additionally, the original film’s costume design — particularly the nun habits — has become iconic in pop culture. The wardrobe department created over 300 nun habits for the first film alone, and the distinctive look has been referenced and parodied countless times in popular media. The upcoming third installment is expected to maintain the franchise’s tradition of combining music, comedy and social commentary while introducing new elements for contemporary audiences.
