Whoopi Goldberg Says Sister Act 3′ Needs Some Adjustments” After Maggie Smith’s Death

In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Whoopi Goldberg delivered an update on Sister Act 3, explaining that the death of her co-star, Maggie Smith, necessitated significant changes to the play.

Smith, who played Mother Superior in the original Sister Act movie, died on September 27th at the age of 89, leaving a vacuum in both the storyline and the emotions of fans and cast members.

Commenting on Changes To Sister Act 3

“We’re having to make some readjustments because we just lost Maggie Smith, as you know,” Goldberg shared during the interview. “And so, we will get it done. We will get it done. It’s a shift.”

Her words reflect the bittersweet reality of pushing forward with the project despite the loss of a beloved cast member.

Goldberg and Smith had previously worked together on Sister Act (1992) and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), where Smith played a strict but caring Mother Superior opposite Goldberg’s character, Deloris Van Cartier.

Goldberg has long been committed to making Sister Act 3 a reality. Earlier this year, she reiterated her dedication to the project, revealing during an interview with PEOPLE that the film was still “percolating.”

In March, at the Garden of Laughs event, she confirmed that the script was in development and emphasized her excitement, though she acknowledged the challenges of multitasking. “It’s hard to do everything,” Goldberg admitted. “And I like to think that I can, but I’ve come to the understanding that I can’t do as much stuff simultaneously as I’d like to.”

Honoring a Legacy: Remembering Maggie Smith

Before Smith’s passing, Goldberg had expressed her deep respect for the actress and even mentioned that she was “holding the part of Mother Superior” for her.

In a January 2023 appearance on the Loose Women talk show in the U.K., Goldberg stated she was willing to accommodate Smith’s needs for filming, saying, “So, if you need me to come over here and shoot it and do whatever we have to do, we will do whatever you want us to do. But we don’t want to do it without you, Maggie.”

Smith’s loss marked an emotional shift for Goldberg, who paid tribute to her friend and co-star on Instagram, calling her “a great woman and a brilliant actress” and expressing her disbelief at having been able to work with someone so exceptional.

Smith’s death was publicly announced by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who shared that she “passed away peacefully in hospital,” surrounded by friends and family.

Sister Act 3 Presents A New Chapter with Familiar Faces

Goldberg’s devotion to the third installment of Sister Act has spanned several years of development discussions.

In 2021, Disney tapped Tim Federle to direct, with Madhuri Shekar as the screenwriter. Goldberg is set to reprise her role as Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer turned undercover nun, who brings her unique spirit and wit to the convent.

Over the years, Goldberg has even extended invitations to several Hollywood friends, such as Sheryl Lee Ralph, to join the project, indicating her desire to bring new energy to the beloved franchise.

Goldberg first hinted at a cameo opportunity for Fallon in 2022, expressing her enthusiasm for a completed script.

With support from notable figures like Tyler Perry, who is attached as a producer, Goldberg remains optimistic about delivering a worthy sequel that both honors the legacy of Sister Act and pays homage to the unforgettable presence of Maggie Smith.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Sister Act right now. Come back here often for all Sister Act spoilers, news, and updates.

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