The Definitive Sister Act 3 Cast List: 7 Confirmed & Dream Stars, Plot Updates, And The Heartbreaking Delay

The long-awaited return of Deloris Van Cartier is closer than ever, but the journey to the screen has been a true test of faith. After years of speculation, *Sister Act 3* is officially in development for Disney+, bringing Whoopi Goldberg back to the iconic role of Sister Mary Clarence. As of today, December 11, 2025, the project is moving forward, but a major, heartbreaking loss in the original cast has forced the creative team to make significant script "readjustments," pushing the potential release date back.

The new film, tentatively titled *Sister Act 3: Kicking the Habit*, promises to recapture the feel-good musical energy of the 1990s classics while introducing a new generation of singing talent. Produced by Tyler Perry and directed by Tim Federle, the sequel is building a cast list that blends beloved returning faces with some of the biggest names in modern music and comedy, creating a choir that is already generating massive buzz.

Sister Act 3 Confirmed Cast & Star Profiles

The official cast list is still being solidified as the script is finalized, but a core group of stars is confirmed or highly expected to return, alongside a major new addition who secured her role through sheer determination.

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Whoopi Goldberg (Deloris Van Cartier / Sister Mary Clarence)

• Date of Birth: November 13, 1955
• Career Highlight (Pre-Sister Act): EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) and Academy Award winner for *Ghost* (1990).
• Role in Sister Act 3: Reprising her iconic role as the lounge singer-turned-nun, Deloris Van Cartier, who is expected to return to the convent to help with a new crisis or group of young people.
• Status: Confirmed to star and produce. Goldberg has been the primary driving force behind the sequel's development for years.

Keke Palmer (New Character)

• Date of Birth: August 26, 1993
• Career Highlight: Primetime Emmy Award winner, star of *Nope* (2022) and host of *Password*.
• Role in Sister Act 3: Confirmed to be a cast member. Palmer famously "shot her shot" at Whoopi Goldberg during an appearance on *The View* in 2021, asking to be included, which Goldberg enthusiastically accepted. Her specific character details are currently under wraps, but she is expected to be one of the new, young voices in the story.
• Status: Confirmed.

The Beloved Returning Sisters

While official contracts are often the last step, reports indicate that the most beloved nuns from the original films are "set to" return, much to the delight of the fanbase:

• Kathy Najimy (Sister Mary Patrick): The perpetually cheerful, often-singing nun with boundless energy. She is strongly rumored and expected to return, though an official announcement is pending.
• Wendy Makkena (Sister Mary Robert): The timid, soft-spoken postulant who finds her powerful voice under Deloris’s guidance. Like Najimy, Makkena is widely anticipated to reprise her role.

The Heartbreaking Loss That Delayed Production

The biggest recent update, and the reason for the script's prolonged development, involves the absence of a foundational character: Reverend Mother Superior.

The Dame Maggie Smith Factor

Dame Maggie Smith, the legendary actress who played the stern but ultimately supportive Reverend Mother Superior in the first two films, was reportedly attached to return for *Sister Act 3*.

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• Whoopi Goldberg's Revelation: Goldberg revealed in late 2024 that the original script had been written with Smith’s character in mind. She had been holding the role for Smith, stating, "We don't want to do it without you, Maggie."
• The Readjustment: Following the passing of Dame Maggie Smith in 2024, the creative team, including writer Madhuri Shekar, had to go back to the drawing board. This significant "readjustment" to the script is the primary reason the film remains in the development phase, even as late as December 2025.

This news confirms the deep respect the cast and crew have for the original film’s legacy and underscores their commitment to crafting a story that honors the Reverend Mother's absence rather than ignoring it. The new script must now find a way to explain the Reverend Mother's story while maintaining the emotional core of the franchise.

Whoopi Goldberg’s Dream Cast and Potential Newcomers

Beyond the confirmed and returning veterans, much of the excitement surrounding *Sister Act 3* centers on the A-list talent Whoopi Goldberg has publicly expressed a desire to cast. These additions would bring a fresh, modern musical energy to the sequel.

The Celebrity Wish List

Whoopi Goldberg has been vocal about wanting to expand the "choir" with contemporary musical powerhouses. Her dream cast includes:

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• Lizzo: The Grammy-winning singer and flutist is a top choice. Her powerhouse vocals and infectious, positive energy would make her a perfect fit for a new, exuberant nun or a student in need of guidance.
• Nicki Minaj: The rapper and actress is another name Whoopi has mentioned. Casting a major hip-hop star would mirror the way the original films blended Deloris’s contemporary style with the traditional convent setting.
• Sheryl Lee Ralph: The Emmy winner and Broadway star, who was a student in *Sister Act 2*, has been openly asked by Whoopi to return. While she played a small role as a student, fans are hoping she returns as an adult, perhaps as a fellow teacher or a successful alum of the school.

The inclusion of these names, even as a "dream cast," shows the production's intent to make *Sister Act 3* a star-studded, must-see event on Disney+. The natural chemistry between Goldberg and new talents like Keke Palmer already suggests a successful transition to a new generation.

Sister Act 3 Production Status, Plot, and Release Date

While the cast announcements are exciting, the most common fan questions revolve around two key elements: the plot and the official release date.

The Plot: What Will Deloris Be Kicking the Habit For?

Official plot details are being kept tightly under wraps by Disney+. However, the consensus among industry insiders and fan theories suggests a return to the franchise's core themes:

• A New Generation of Misfits: The most likely scenario is that Deloris (Sister Mary Clarence) is called back to the convent or a struggling school to help a new group of young, talented but troubled singers find their voices and their way, echoing the premise of *Sister Act 2*.
• A New Threat to the Convent: Alternatively, Deloris may return to help save the convent itself from a modern financial or legal threat, using her celebrity status and musical talents to organize a major fundraising event.
• The Disney+ Format: Being a Disney+ exclusive, the film may have a slightly different tone or scope than the theatrical releases, though producer Tyler Perry has promised to maintain the "feel-good quality" that fans expect.

Director, Writer, and Producer Team

The film is in capable hands, ensuring a blend of musical experience and comedic timing:

• Producer: Tyler Perry (Known for his prolific work in film and television).
• Director: Tim Federle (Known for directing the musical series *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series* and the film *Ferdinand*).
• Writer: Madhuri Shekar (A rising talent known for her work on *The Nevers*).

The Sister Act 3 Release Date Status

Currently, *Sister Act 3* does not have an official release date. While some early reports speculated on a late 2024 or 2025 window, the script rework following Dame Maggie Smith’s death has caused a significant delay.

Given the current status in development and the need for a finalized script before pre-production and filming can begin, the most realistic expectation is that *Sister Act 3* will premiere on Disney+ sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. Fans should follow official announcements from Disney+ and Whoopi Goldberg for the definitive timeline.