Everything we know about Hocus Pocus 2 : Billy's return, Drag Race queens, 2 musical numbers, Cobweb the cat

It's felt like 300 years — right down to the day — but now that the witches are back, there's hell to pay for making fans wait this long for the arrival of Hocus Pocus 2.

As furiously as we curse the delay, there's undoubtedly magic in the air as Disney readies the highly anticipated sequel to its Halloween classic. The original film starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as a band of Salem witches with a penchant for terrorizing, hexing, and eating the souls of children. After getting captured and hung by the puritan townspeople of Salem, the three sisters stay dead for a few hundred years — until a group of kids (Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Thora Birch) unwittingly resurrect them.

Disney + (3) Everything we know about 'Hocus Pocus 2'

Ahead of the Anne Fletcher-directed Hocus Pocus 2's fall premiere, check out everything we know so far about the sequel, including who's returning (and who isn't), plot details, filming locations, and how the RuPaul's Drag Race family contributed a few queens to help brew the film's nostalgic potion of cinema sorcery.

What's is Hocus Pocus 2 about — and is there a trailer?

Like the mouth of Billy Butcherson's corpse, details of the Hocus Pocus 2 plot remained stitched up (likely with ancient moths gestating somewhere inside) — until now. Through a series of exclusive interviews, EW finally unveiled story points for the film, following Disney's release of the film's first teaser trailer in June. The studio promised more "comedic mayhem" from the witches as they seek revenge on Salem once again, this time with three new high school students (played by Belissa Escobedo, Whitney Peak, and Lilia Buckingham) out to thwart their evil plans.

The teaser, which included portions of John Debney's time-tested score from the original, also revealed that Peak's character is celebrating her 16th birthday — a milestone that, according to witchcraft lore in the world of the film, is when a witch typically gets her powers.

When will Hocus Pocus 2 be released and can can I watch?

Hocus Pocus 2 hits the Disney+ streaming service on Friday, Sept. 30. Try to keep your thoughts from running amok (amok, amok, amok, amok) until then.

Who's returning to star — and who isn't?

Midler, Parker, and Najimy were first to board (after answering endless questions about a potential sequel over the years) following Disney's announcement that a sequel was officially in development in 2019.

"I was shooting [Sex and the City sequel] And Just Like That, finished, got in a van, drove to Providence, R.I., and started work the next day. I couldn't look at a script beforehand because I couldn't start learning lines for Sarah while playing Carrie. Luckily, Adam Shankman was there, he and I stayed in the same little hotel, so he got the original Hocus Pocus on TV for me that [first] night, and I watched the whole thing," Parker tells EW of preparing to get back into the witchy groove on the New England set of the film. "I wasn't supposed to start shooting the next day, but there was a big weather issue, so we changed the schedule, and I was on camera the next day. I had to remember it all, [because] I've only seen the first movie once in my life. Of course, you're not alone; you're working with two other gifted comedians who are also recalling, remembering, and figuring out: Who are we? What do we do? How do we work together? That came back strangely quick."

After production began in late 2021, EW confirmed that Birch, who portrayed Dani Dennison in the first film, would not reprise her role in the sequel due to filming commitments on Netflix's Wednesday series — which she would later depart. A source revealed that Disney asked Birch to play a "good supporting role" as an adult Dani, who would have worked to help three modern-day teens halt the witches' maniacal reign over Salem on Halloween.

In August, EW exclusively revealed that actors Katz and Shaw would also not reprise their roles from the first film, with Fletcher citing her desire to keep the focus on the new story, and that even a cameo would've shifted audience attention too far from the tale she tried to tell.

"We wanted to weave in all of the people that the fans loved, and when you sat back with all the ingredients and story, you're like, how do we make this work?" Fletcher explained. "It was very difficult to try to have them be a part of it, because we did talk about it — painstakingly. You're trying to stay on track with story, even if they came in as a cameo. People would say, 'They could be in the background!' and I'm like, really? You're going to put the leads of the first movie in the background and be satisfied? You're not going to be satisfied, you're going to be angry."

Disney 'Hocus Pocus 2' poster.

Doug Jones was previously announced to be returning in the role of Billy Butcherson, Winifred's zombified ex-lover who she summoned from the grave to help her capture Max, Allison, and Dani (though he eventually turned on his re-animator to help the youths fight back). The teaser trailer includes a scene that shows a grave with Billy's full name on it, but the character didn't show up in the (rotting) flesh in the clip. EW later released the first official photo of Billy rising from the grave to do battle with the witches once more. Jones exclusively told EW that Billy is still a good zombie in the sequel, and even has a "bromance" with Sam Richardson's character, Gilbert.

"It's such a sweet, special little relationship and side story," Fletcher said, with Jones likening their bond to their "own little buddy film going off on the side as the movie plays out," which he said he hoped fans would find to be as "charming and lovely" as he did.

Matt Kennedy/Disney+ Doug Jones returns as Billy Butcherson in 'Hocus Pocus 2'

EW also confirmed that Jason Marsden, the voice of the black cat from the first film, is also not returning for the sequel. In Kenny Ortega's first installment, Thackery was cursed by the witches to live forever as a cat as punishment for attempting to save his sister, Emily, from their clutches. (And before you start yelling about it being absurd to even consider that Thackery Binx could return, remember that we're talking about a film that continues the story of a witch who exploded into dust while riding a flying vacuum cleaner.)

Still, a black cat does flash onscreen in the teaser trailer as it gazes upon the eye of Winifred's book (okay, okay: "BoooooooOOOOOOOOOooooook!") opening for the first time in 30 years. Fletcher told EW that the cat's name is Cobweb, but stressed that there are "no talking cats" in the sequel.

Disney Winifred Sanderson's beloved book returns in 'Hocus Pocus 2'

EW also exclusively confirmed that beloved bullies Jay (Tobias Jelinek) and Ice (Larry Bagby) would not return for the sequel, as the actors told us that they weren't invited to reprise their roles. Still, Jelinek speculated on where Jay might be today, noting that he'd like to see him as a local principal.

Buena Vista Tobias Jelinek and Larry Bagby reportedly not returning for 'Hocus Pocus 2'

"He'd be atoning for his days as a bully. It's his growth story," Jelinek said. "It's him facing his demons and learning how to be a good guy. It'd make a lot of sense for him. He'd understand the bad kids and be able to help them."

New cast members Escobedo, Peak, and Buckingham are the "little children" battling the witches, while Veep alum Tony Hale reportedly plays Salem's mayor. Hannah Waddingham also joined in an undisclosed role, and Richardson briefly popped up in the teaser trailer as the owner of the "Salem Magic Shoppe" — but more on that later.

How do the Sanderson Sisters come back from the dead... again?

Applying logic to a fantasy classic like Hocus Pocus is a crime punishable by a curse worse than living for eternity as a black cat. But here we are, breaking down the film's teaser trailer for clues about how the Sanderson trio returns from the dead once again.

So far, the only thing we know about how the witches re-enter the realm of the living is that it involves a pair of teens (Escobedo and Peak) performing a spell in the woods on the latter character's 16th birthday — the same evening they light the Black Flame Candle. When the yellow flame turns black, the ground splits beneath them, revealing the fiery pits of hell below. But not to worry; Winnie finds it "quite lovely."

Disney The Sanderson Sisters come back from the dead in 'Hocus Pocus 2'

Will there be a musical number similar to "I Put a Spell on You" from the first film?

In the teaser, Winifred declares that the siblings are "always" ready to take the stage — which had fans buzzing that the witches were cooking up a musical number on par with "I Put a Spell on You" from the first film. Midler told EW in a subsequent, exclusive interview told EW that the ladies pushed for Disney to include songs for the characters, which resulted in two big musical moments in the finished product.

"We suggested that there be songs. That was our big contribution. We said, 'They have to sing.' We made suggestions as far as songs were concerned, and we went to the barricades on that. It was a collaborative effort where we were happy to defend our choices and also compromise," Midler says. Parker confirms that there are "two covers" that get the stage treatment in the final film.

"We would've done three if they'd let us," Parker continues, adding that the ladies recorded vocals with famed music mastermind Marc Shaiman before shooting began. "They're songs that are familiar to a variety of age groups….  It was a big conversation, whether we were going to use new material or redo a song, and the movie went through various iterations. Anne had thoughts and feelings about the songs, then they became hers because she's the director."

Najimy adds that the film's biggest song serves "the same concept" as the one that birthed "I Put a Spell On You" did in 1993.

"We're looking for something and find ourselves just like we did in the first one: At that big party, people are on stage, it's the same deal at the same Halloween party, but this one is outdoors and a lot bigger," she explains. "We had three drag queens [Kornbread "The Snack" Jeté, Kahmora Hall, and Ginger Minj] from RuPaul's Drag Race, and for me that was great because I've known Ru since he was 18 years old."

Disney + 'Hocus Pocus 2' resurrects the Sanderson Sisters for a potential performance on stage.

EW confirmed earlier this year that Drag Race alums Kahmora Hall (Sarah), Ginger Minj (Winifred), and Kornbread "The Snack" Jeté (Mary) joined the cast as drag versions of the Sanderson Sisters in a scene that takes place at a Halloween festival. We later debuted a first-look image at the queens in the film, showing off their looks in a scene that sees them participating in an annual Sanderson Sisters costume contest on Halloween.

"Everybody who's ever been anywhere in the world where there's a Sanderson Sister impersonator, knows that drag queens tend to do it frequently, and they tend to do it best," Ginger tells EW of impersonating the legendary witches, while Kahmora adds: "We've been keeping the spirit of these characters alive for how many decades now, every Halloween! We're helping to keep this movie and these characters alive, and it was an honor to be part of it."

Matt Kennedy/Disney + 'Drag Race' queens Kornbread, Ginger Minj, and Kahmora Hall as drag versions of the Sanderson Sisters in 'Hocus Pocus 2.'

During an interview with EW in June, Kornbread shared that on set, Najimy offered to call Mama RuPaul to recommend the queen for a spot on Drag Race. Little did she know, Kornbread had just returned from filming her then-secret role on the show's 14th season.

"One day I hope you're on Drag Race," Kornbread recalled Najimy saying, before offering to make the connection with Ru. "[She said] 'I know RuPaul personally, I'm the reason Bob [the Drag Queen] got on the show. I'm going to call RuPaul about you,'" Kornbread continued. "I go, 'Kathy, baby, you know what, don't do that. I appreciate you, but don't do that.'" A representative for Najimy later confirmed to EW that the star did indeed offer to ring RuPaul to recommend Kornbread for a future season.

VH1 (2); Everett Collection (2) 'Drag Race' queens Kornbread (L) and Kahmora Hall (R) join 'Hocus Pocus 2' as drag versions of Sarah Jessica Parker's Sarah Sanderson and Kathy Najimy's Mary Sanderson.

Who will direct, write, and produce?

Women occupy top behind-the-scenes positions in the film, with The Proposal and 27 Dresses helmer Anne Fletcher stepping in for Ortega in the director's chair, while Workaholics and Young Rock writer Jen D'Angelo crafted the film's script.

Fletcher comes to the project with robust experience as a dancer and choreographer, having previously worked with Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner, directed by Adam Shankman — who reunited with her as one of the producers of Hocus Pocus 2 alongside Lynn Harris and original producers Steven Haft and David Kirschner.

"I am beyond thrilled to be involved in the sequel to a film that is as beloved as Hocus Pocus," Fletcher said last year in a statement. "Fans around the world have embraced these characters and have made this film a Halloween tradition whose popularity continues to grow, and how lucky am I to be back at Disney with these three extraordinarily talented ladies in the iconic roles they created, as well as our fabulous new additions to the cast?"

Where will the sequel take place?

Fletcher exclusively told EW that the film will open with a sequence set in the 1600s, which will chart the witches' origins (as well as Billy's) using child actors Taylor Henderson, Juju Journey Brener, and Nina Kitchen.

"In the opening sequence of the movie, we get some history of our witches and Billy. We get a little kiss — pardon the pun — of the Billy aspect of it and the world that they lived in and what happened to the witches," Fletcher explained. "I always missed that in the first one. Like, why are the witches the way they are? I did have that question, and the script came, and I loved the opening 1600s. I pushed that a little bit more, because I really wanted to point at, ever so slightly.... the idea that the 1600s and the now are the same. There's no difference. I just want to poke at the irony of it. But, in the joy of the film you get to see the young version of them and have a great time and understand the what and why of what happened to them."

Aside from rekindling our nostalgia for the central witches, the Hocus Pocus 2 teaser conjured images familiar to fans of the original — notably a red-brick school similar to the one Max and Allison attended. Though it appears to be a different building than the Phillips Elementary School, which was used in the 1993 movie, we're able to see a partial title over a window, reading "Skelton High School." This could be a reference to Samuel Skelton, a puritan pastor at the First Church of Salem.

Disney + Salem locales return in 'Hocus Pocus 2.'

Another familiar location is the Sanderson home (complete with the mill wheel on the side) which has gone from being hidden away in the woods to sitting on a bustling city street thanks to urban development in Salem.

The building has been renamed the "Salem Magic Shoppe," where the girls apparently find the spellbook that's eventually used to resurrect the sisters. Regional news reported that the store doesn't actually exist, and was a set constructed in a parking lot in Newport, Rhode Island.

Disney + The Salem Magic Shoppe in 'Hocus Pocus 2'

Watch Hocus Pocus 2 beginning Sept. 30 on Disney+.

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Related content:

• Hocus Pocus 2 stars reflect on reuniting to resurrect the Sanderson Sisters: 'It's quite satisfying'

• Hocus Pocus 2 to put a spell on you with '2 big musical numbers' set to 'familiar' songs

• See first look at RuPaul's Drag Race trio as the Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus 2

• Omri Katz 'would have loved to be involved' in Hocus Pocus 2, praises sequel's 'new direction'

• Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw not returning for Hocus Pocus 2
  Meet Cobweb, the Hocus Pocus 2 cat who's definitely not Thackery Binx

• Billy Butcherson returns from the grave in Hocus Pocus 2 first look photo

• Hocus Pocus 2 will explain the Sanderson Sisters' origins as children in the 1600s

• Black Flame Candle resurrects the Sanderson Sisters (and the book) in Hocus Pocus 2 teaser

• Kathy Najimy offered to call RuPaul to recommend Kornbread for Drag Race on Hocus Pocus 2 set

• Drag Race stars Kornbread, Kahmora Hall join Hocus Pocus 2 as drag Mary and Sarah

• Thora Birch won't return as Dani in Hocus Pocus 2