Entertainment

The ‘Sabrina’ Reboot Finally Casts Aunt Hilda & Zelda, So Prepare To Get Witchy

by Ashley Rey

As details about the Netflix Sabrina reboot continue to drop, the excitement for the show's official release only increases. The same can be said for the recent news about who will be playing Aunt Hilda and Zelda in the series, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, they'll have a dark twist.

So far, it's been reported that the Netflix remake will take on a much darker, horror-like tone than that of the humorous '90s cult-classic. Sabrina, as played by Mad Men's Kiernan Shipka, is said to be a half-mortal, half-witch teenaged, high schooler, who's just beginning her training as a sorcerous. Crafted by the creator of Riverdale, the Sabrina reboot is heavily inspired by the Archie Comics. It's said to be a cross between Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist, and it's bound to be the dark, coming-of-age tale that you didn't even know you needed until now.

Playing Sabrina's beloved guardians are Lord of the Rings' Miranda Otto as Aunt Zelda, and Wonder Woman's Lucy Davis as Aunt Hilda. Deadline reported that Davis' Hilda will hold the same nurturing, comedic energy as Caroline Rhea's portrayal in the '90s classic, but with a twist. She may be inclined to lend a helping hand to those in need — even going as far as concocting love spells for Sabrina's classmates — but don't mistake her kindness for weakness. Hilda definitely has a mean, wicked streak, especially when it comes to those threatening her loved ones.

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Meanwhile, Otto's take on Zelda carries a similar stern tone as Beth Broderick's character, but her level of wickedness protectiveness of Sabrina is expected to be kicked up a notch in the remake. THR reported that Netflix's Zelda is a devout worshiper of the Dark Lord, and she takes her membership to the Church of Night very seriously.

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It sounds as though the two aunts will bring a healthy balance of good and evil, which will likely complement the rest of the Sabrina reboot cast perfectly. It's been revealed that Easy and When The Bough Breaks' Jaz Sinclair will play Rosalind Walker, Sabrina's teenaged best friend and the daughter of Greendale's minister. The "brash, empowered and outspoken" young woman, as described by THR, wasn't present in the original series. And while a character by the same name exists in the comics, Sabrina and Rosalind will have a different dynamic in the series. Instead of fighting over boys and competing, the pair will have a very supportive relationship.

Also announced are details surrounding the Spellman's family cat, Salem. And no, he doesn't appear to be anything like the beloved puppet from the '90s comedy.

Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, shared a picture of the stern and real black cat on Twitter on Feb. 9 with the caption, "Ladies and gentlemen, meet #Greendale’s latest resident. All hail, Salem!" And while some were bummed that their own cats didn't land the role, all of those awaiting the Netflix rendition's arrival were extremely excited to be introduced to the family pet.

Everything seems to be coming together for Netflix's darker rendition of the classic comedy, so much so that before its release, the series has already been slated for a two-season, 20-episode run. That's not a deal offered up to too many shows, so the streaming service must be thrilled about the upcoming project.

A premiere date has yet to be confirmed, but if the highly anticipated series keeps surprising followers as much as it is now, it'll be easy for the series to continue gathering its fan base. Because as it stands, the Sabrina reboot sounds like it won't disappoint.