It’s Official: “Hocus Pocus 3” Is in Development at Disney
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*Spoilers for Hocus Pocus 2 below!*
Grab a broom, Swiffer, or Roomba vacuum (or two) because it’s time to return to Salem, Massachusetts. Disney confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 is in development, just in time for the original film’s 30-year anniversary.
Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, shared the news in a June 4 profile interview with The New York Times. The exec didn’t offer any other details of the third film, but the reveal comes just months after the highly-anticipated Hocus Pocus 2 dropped on Disney+. The sequel marked Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson’s (re)resurrection, 29 years after their first All Hallow’s Eve adventure in the sleepy town of Salem.
An eyebrow-raising post-credits scene in Hocus Pocus 2 teased that a third film is in the works, and now, we have official confirmation. So when will the Black Flame Candle be lit once again? Here’s everything we know (so far) about Hocus Pocus 3.
When will Hocus Pocus 3 premiere?
While Bailey confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 is in development, he didn’t offer a release date. The sequel to the 1993 original, Hocus Pocus 2, arrived on Disney+ on September 30, 2022. But considering the project was just announced, and the current Writers Guild of America strike, we might have to hold tight a bit longer for Hocus Pocus 3.
Who will star in Hocus Pocus 3?
Casting details have not been revealed, but our fingers are crossed that all three Sanderson Sisters, Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), return. Bette previously expressed interest in reprising her role as the cursed witch.
“If there was a third one, of course I'd sign on, but I don't know how. I can't imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship. It's good for women,” she told Entertainment Weekly in September 2022. Sarah Jessica added that she’d be “happy to have a conversation” but “it just depends on what Kathy and Bette want!”
The sequel introduced teen trio Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham). Their involvement in the third film also remains unknown, but the ending of Hocus Pocus 2 (spoiler alert!) revealed that Becca herself is a witch. Knowing this, Hocus Pocus 3 could follow this new generation of Salem witches as Becca hones her powers. But for now, we’ll have to wait for official casting confirmation.
Will any other original Hocus Pocus stars return?
The sequel brought the Sanderson Sisters and Billy Butcherson back to life, but Max Dennison, Dani Dennison, and Alison did not reprise their roles. While we don’t know who might return for the third film, Thora Birch — who portrayed Dani in the 1993 flick — said she was approached for the sequel, but she couldn’t commit due to a scheduling conflict. If her schedule permits, maybe she’ll make an appearance in this new installment. 👀
Where can I watch Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2?
Ready to rewatch Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 (for the umpteenth time) after this news? Same. You can stream the original 1993 film and its 2022 sequel on Disney+ now. Subscription starts at $7.99/month.
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