It’s official! The Sanderson Sisters are coming back for a third time, and Hocus Pocus fans everywhere are about to be under another spell. After a wildly successful sequel in 2022, Disney has confirmed that a third Hocus Pocus film is in the works, and while details are still under wraps, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding what’s next for Winifred, Sarah, and Mary.
The Spell Is Cast: Hocus Pocus 3 Is Happening
While the announcement of Hocus Pocus 3 may have come as a surprise to some, it’s no shock to the Hocus Pocus fanbase, who have long been calling for a third installment after the success of the 2022 sequel. Disney President of Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, confirmed the news in a June 2023 interview with The New York Times while discussing upcoming live-action projects. Although specific details about the release date and casting have yet to be revealed, Bailey’s words were enough to send fans into a frenzy of speculation.
“Third time’s the charm!” Bailey said, leaving fans wondering what the next wicked chapter of the Hocus Pocus saga will look like.
What Can We Expect From Hocus Pocus 3?
While many fans are eager for more of the iconic trio—Bette Midler as the sharp-tongued Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker as the sweet but ditzy Sarah, and Kathy Najimy as the bumbling Mary—the exact plot for Hocus Pocus 3 remains shrouded in mystery. According to Hocus Pocus 2 screenwriter Jen D’Angelo, the third installment is still in the early stages of development.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in October 2023, D’Angelo shared that she’s excited about exploring more of the Hocus Pocus universe. “I’m hoping that we are able to explore every aspect of these stories and take these characters on a bunch of fun adventures,” she said. “3 is still very much in the early stages; we don’t really know what it is yet.”
D’Angelo also expressed her desire to strike a balance between fan expectations and creative freedom, emphasizing the importance of crafting a sequel that isn’t merely about ticking off boxes for the audience. “I want to do right by the fans, and I definitely want to keep in mind what they want to see,” she explained. “But at the same time, I feel like movies can go slightly awry when they’re only catering to the fans and trying to check off a list.”
This leaves plenty of room for speculation on how the Sanderson Sisters’ story could unfold. Could Hocus Pocus 3 dive deeper into the origins of the Sanderson Sisters? Will we see a new generation of witches or perhaps a crossover with other beloved Disney franchises? The possibilities are endless, and with the creative minds behind Hocus Pocus 2 returning, there’s hope that the sequel will live up to the high expectations of fans.
The Return of the Sanderson Sisters?
The ending of Hocus Pocus 2 wrapped up many of the franchise’s loose ends, but not without leaving a tantalizing clue about what could come next. The 2022 film concluded with the Sanderson Sisters seemingly meeting their end in a way that provided a satisfying conclusion, but the post-credits scene teased that the story may not be over for the trio of witches. This scene left fans eagerly anticipating what Hocus Pocus 3 might bring, suggesting that there is still plenty of magic left to explore in Salem.
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy have all expressed interest in returning for Hocus Pocus 3, making it clear that they are as eager as fans to revisit their beloved characters. Midler, who has played Winifred Sanderson since the original 1993 film, has said she would be “thrilled” to don the iconic witch’s hat again. Parker and Najimy have echoed similar sentiments, with Najimy even joking about needing “a bigger broom” to continue her adventures as Mary.
Despite their enthusiasm, all three actresses are aware of the challenges involved in bringing the Sanderson Sisters back to life once again. As Sarah Jessica Parker shared with Entertainment Weekly, the actresses are “treating it like the most important thing in the world” and are committed to making sure the third film stays true to the magic that fans love.
What’s Next for the Sanderson Sisters?
Fans are wondering what direction Hocus Pocus 3 will take the Sanderson Sisters. Will they return to Salem to cause more mischief? Will they finally meet their ultimate fate? Or could we see them travel to new magical realms, or even interact with new characters in a broader universe?
While it’s too early to say for certain, D’Angelo’s comments about exploring the “stories” of these characters suggest that Hocus Pocus 3 may delve deeper into the witches’ backstories and motivations. Given the comedic nature of the first two films, we can expect plenty of laughs along the way, but also moments of heart and perhaps even some surprising new elements that will keep fans engaged.
When Will Hocus Pocus 3 Be Released?
As of now, Disney has not announced an official release date for Hocus Pocus 3. However, considering the positive reception of the first two films, there’s a good chance that the next sequel will be a highly anticipated event when it hits streaming platforms. Fans can probably expect Hocus Pocus 3 to make its debut on Disney+ sometime in the next couple of years.
For fans of the Hocus Pocus franchise, the news of a third installment is a magical announcement that has everyone eagerly awaiting more mischief from the Sanderson Sisters. While there are still many unanswered questions about what Hocus Pocus 3 will bring, one thing is for certain: the witches are far from done. With the original cast back in action, the creative team’s commitment to fan expectations, and the endless possibilities of what comes next, Hocus Pocus 3 is sure to cast its own spell on audiences.
So grab your broomstick, prepare your spells, and stay tuned—because the Sanderson Sisters are returning, and they’re bringing their wicked charm with them!