Whoopi Goldberg has expressed her eagerness to reprise her iconic role in “Sister Act 3,” as she awaits new developments surrounding the long-anticipated sequel. In an interview with PEOPLE, the celebrated EGOT winner revealed her feelings about the lengthy delays in bringing the beloved franchise back to the screen, saying she is prepared to “get back in the habit” and hopes for movement on the project soon.
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Reflecting on the delay, which has now stretched into nearly a decade, Goldberg candidly shared her frustration. “This has been going on for seven or eight years now,” the actress remarked, adding that, as she ages, the desire for the film’s release intensifies. “I’m getting old! I just hope it happens sooner rather than later,” she commented, highlighting the emotional connection audiences have to the original films.
“Sister Act,” which debuted in 1992, captivated audiences with Goldberg in the role of Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who is placed in witness protection in a convent. Initially met with disapproval from Reverend Mother, played by the late Maggie Smith, Deloris goes on to inspire the struggling convent choir. Its success led to a sequel, “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” released in 1993, which proved just as popular and further solidified the franchise’s legacy.
The explosion of nostalgia over the years, fuelled by home media and repeated television broadcasts of the films, has amplified interest in reviving the franchise. Moving forward with a third installment was first suggested in 2015 when it was revealed that writers Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith and Karen McCullah would develop the screenplay. However, by 2018, fresh talent took the reins, with Regina Hicks and Karin Gist stepping in to craft the story.
In 2020, excitement bubbled among fans when Disney confirmed Goldberg’s return to the franchise, alongside producer Tyler Perry. The sequel was set to premiere on Disney+, igniting hopes for its eventual release. However, Goldberg later lamented the slow progress in development. Previous updates indicated intermittent involvement from Goldberg as she kept audiences up to date during appearances on “The View”.
Despite the interest, including an enthusiastic pitch from actress Keke Palmer, the project has struggled to move forward. Both Goldberg and Perry have expressed irritation over the protracted timeline for the film, with Perry noting he had been involved in several other projects since discussions about “Sister Act 3” began.
Goldberg light-heartedly pointed out that Disney has produced a plethora of other reboots while the “Sister Act” sequel has been stalled. “They’ve been working on other projects, and I think we’ve been sort of pushed to the backburner,” she remarked, encouraging fans to remind Disney of the love for the franchise.
An added obstacle to progress came with the passing of Maggie Smith, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89. Goldberg revealed that Smith had expressed interest in returning, having awaited a finalised script during earlier discussions. “She was waiting for the completed script when things began to change,” Goldberg recounted, acknowledging the hurdles that often accompany film production.
Despite the setbacks and heartbreaking loss, Goldberg remains hopeful for the future of “Sister Act 3.” “It’s been a long process,” she said, but she is feeling “cautiously optimistic” about seeing movement on the project soon.
Enthusiastic about reprising her role, Goldberg concluded, “I want to put those boots on! I want to put that hair on! I want to don my habit again! I am ready.” For now, she waits patiently, hoping that a long-awaited return to the character will come sooner rather than later.