Honestly, it’s been over thirty years since Deloris Van Cartier first traded her sequins for a habit. Three decades. That is a lifetime in Hollywood. Most fans had basically given up hope that we’d ever see the "sisters" back together, but Sister Act 3 is actually, finally, officially happening. Or at least, it's trying its hardest to happen.
If you’ve been following the news, you know it hasn't been a smooth ride. It's been a bit of a "one step forward, two steps back" situation. One day the script is done; the next day, it’s back to the drawing board.
The Reality of the Sister Act 3 Delay
Why is this taking so long?
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Producer Tyler Perry hasn't been shy about his frustration. He’s mentioned in interviews—multiple times—that the "Hollywood system" moves slower than he’d like. While Perry is known for cranking out movies at lightning speed, Disney is a different beast entirely.
Whoopi Goldberg herself has joked that there are "9,000 people" who have to sign off on every single line of the script. That might be a slight exaggeration, but it’s not far from the truth of big-studio filmmaking in 2026.
Then, there’s the Maggie Smith factor.
Readjusting After a Legend
The passing of Dame Maggie Smith in late 2024 was a massive blow, both to the fans and to the production itself. It’s no secret that Whoopi wanted her back. In fact, she’d publicly stated she didn’t want to do it without her.
Goldberg recently told Jimmy Fallon that the team is now having to make "readjustments" to the script. You can’t just replace the Mother Superior. She was the dry, witty soul of the first two films. Now, the writers—including Madhuri Shekar—have the unenviable task of honoring her legacy while moving the story forward without her presence on screen.
It’s a shift. A big one.
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Who is Actually in the Cast?
Right now, the confirmed list is pretty short.
- Whoopi Goldberg is definitely back as Deloris (Sister Mary Clarence).
- Tyler Perry is producing, but we don't know if he'll be in front of the camera.
- Tim Federle is set to direct. You might know him from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
The "dream cast" is where things get interesting. Whoopi has been very vocal about wanting big names like Keke Palmer, Nicki Minaj, and Lizzo to join the convent. Imagine that choir for a second.
Keke Palmer has already signaled she’s down for it, which is a huge win. But as of right now? No official contracts for the supporting cast have been made public. We’re all still waiting to see if the original sisters—Kathy Najimy and Wendy Makkena—will put the habits back on.
Honestly, it wouldn't feel right without them.
What Really Happened With the Script?
There have been so many "finished" scripts at this point that it’s hard to keep track. In early 2025, word was that the final draft was submitted. Then the "readjustments" started.
The plot is still largely under wraps, but the general vibe seems to be Deloris returning to a convent to save another failing institution. It’s a classic formula. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But this time, expect a more "mentorship" focused role for Whoopi.
She’s not the newcomer anymore. She’s the veteran.
Why the Movie Matters Now
Nostalgia is a powerful drug. We've seen it with Hocus Pocus 2 and Top Gun: Maverick. People want to feel that specific brand of 90s joy again. Sister Act 3 isn't trying to be Oppenheimer. It’s trying to be a "feel-good moment," as Tyler Perry put it.
We need that.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're waiting for this movie, here is the current state of play:
- Release Platform: This is a Disney+ original. Don't go looking for theater tickets just yet.
- Release Window: With the script being reworked in early 2026, a late 2026 or even 2027 release is the most realistic bet.
- What to Watch: Both original films are streaming on Disney+. Rewatching them actually helps the "internal data" at Disney see that there is still high demand for the franchise.
- Follow the Producers: Keep an eye on Tyler Perry’s social media. He usually leaks more info than the official Disney PR accounts.
The project is "percolating," to use Whoopi's favorite word. It’s been a long road, and the loss of Maggie Smith has definitely changed the heart of the film. But the "habit" is hard to break, and the production is still moving forward. It’s just going to take a little more prayer—and a lot more paperwork—to get those nuns back on stage.