In a bittersweet update, beloved actress Whoopi Goldberg has shared that the highly anticipated Sister Act 3 will require some “readjustments” following the passing of her dear co-star, Dame Maggie Smith.
Goldberg, who has been the driving force behind reviving the beloved Sister Act franchise, recently sat down with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show to discuss the challenges the production team now faces.
“We’re having to make some readjustments because we just lost Maggie Smith,” Goldberg revealed, her voice tinged with sadness. The legendary British actress, who brought the role of Reverend Mother to life in the original 1992 film and its 1993 sequel, passed away in September at the age of 89.
Goldberg, who starred as the sassy lounge singer-turned-nun Deloris Van Cartier, hinted that the plan had been for Smith to reprise her iconic role in the third installment. “We will get it done,” Goldberg assured. “We’ll get it done. It’s just that it’s a shift.”
The news of Smith’s passing was a devastating blow to fans who had been eagerly anticipating the return of the full original cast. Goldberg has been vocal over the years about her desire to reunite with her co-stars, including Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, and Mary Wickes, who played the hilarious nuns.
“We’re having to make some readjustments because we just lost Maggie Smith, as you know,” Goldberg explained to Fallon. “Therefore, we will successfully complete this task.” We will get it done. “It’s just a shift.”
The first two Sister Act films, released in 1992 and 1993, were instant classics, grossing nearly $357 million worldwide. They followed Goldberg’s character Deloris, a Las Vegas lounge singer who goes into witness protection in a convent and, in the sequel, inspires a choir of students.
Goldberg has been actively working to bring the third installment to life, even extending a playful invitation to Pope Francis for a cameo during a Vatican visit last year. With her enthusiasm and a dedicated team, she promises the beloved Sister Act magic will live on, despite the loss of her friend and co-star.
“We will get it done,” Goldberg assured Fallon. “We’ll get it done. It’s a shift.”
The entertainment industry responded to the news of Smith’s passing with an outpouring of grief. Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, her sons, confirmed in a statement that Smith “passed away peacefully in the hospital,” surrounded by friends and family.
Goldberg paid tribute to her co-star on social media, sharing a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the two on the set of the original Sister Act film.
“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” Goldberg wrote. “I still find it hard to believe I had the privilege of working with such a unique individual.” My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. RIP.”
As the team behind Sister Act 3 navigates the loss of such an integral cast member, fans can take solace in Goldberg’s unwavering commitment to honoring the legacy of the beloved franchise. With a shift in the script and a heavy heart, the production moves forward, ensuring that the Sister Act magic will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.