'Hocus Pocus 3' Officially in Development, Disney Says

Disney is set to enchant audiences once again with the highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 3, according to Sean Bailey, the president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. This announcement comes after the tremendous success of Hocus Pocus 2, which shattered streaming records on Disney+ upon its release last September. The original Hocus Pocus film captivated audiences in 1993, making the sequel's arrival nearly three decades later a delightful surprise.

Although no specific details regarding the third film, such as its release date or cast, have been revealed, fans can revel in the knowledge that stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker have expressed their willingness to participate in another magical adventure.

In Hocus Pocus, these talented actresses portrayed the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of wicked witches cursed to return to Salem, Massachusetts, many years after their banishment, in search of youthful souls to devour. Bette Midler, a renowned Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, expressed her envy for those who have the opportunity to portray their favorite character multiple times. She conveyed her desire to have a franchise, particularly one that allows her to embody a character she genuinely loves.

While Midler acknowledges her enthusiasm, she confesses that she hasn't yet envisioned the storyline for the third Hocus Pocus installment. She relishes the dynamic between Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and their mischievous escapades, acknowledging the strong bond they share as women. Midler acknowledges their unity in facing challenges together, even though their misadventures tend to cause quite a commotion.

Kathy Najimy initially declined the concept of a third movie, stating that they had exhausted every possible story from the enchanting universe of Hocus Pocus. However, she acknowledges the dedication of the film's fans and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to bring joy to them. Sarah Jessica Parker echoes the sentiment, indicating her enthusiasm for engaging in discussions about the third film but deferring to the preferences of her co-stars Kathy and Bette.

Interestingly, some of the original Hocus Pocus cast members who did not appear in the 2022 sequel may make a comeback in the third installment. Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), and Vinessa Shaw (Allison) all played pivotal roles in defeating the Sanderson Sisters in the first film. These actors have expressed their desire to reprise their beloved characters, and it is possible that they may make surprise appearances in Hocus Pocus 3.

Screenwriter Jen D'Angelo revealed that efforts were made to bring back the original cast for cameos in Hocus Pocus 2, but circumstances prevented their involvement. However, she remains hopeful that Max and Alison, played by Katz and Shaw respectively, may resurface in the third film, living in California. Additionally, Birch shares her excitement about the possibilities for Dani's return, as she was intended to portray a schoolteacher in the second movie. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts prevented her participation as she was already committed to another project by the time filming began.

In the meantime, both Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 are available for streaming on Disney+. Fans can enjoy these enchanting films as they eagerly await the release of Hocus Pocus 3, hoping to be transported once again into the magical world of the Sanderson Sisters.