There was quite a long wait for Hocus Pocus 2 as the sequel hit theaters in 2022, nearly 30 years after the original film's release in 1993.
The comedic fantasy film series follows a medic trio of witches (played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) who are accidentally resurrected by a teenage boy (Omri Katz) in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night.
The original film bombed at the box office but went on to become a cult-classic, spawning a devoted fanbase in the years that followed.
The sequel was released on Disney+ on September 30, 2022, where it became the streaming platform's biggest premiere to date, leading more than a few film analysts to suggest that Disney might have made a mistake by releasing the film on streaming instead of in theaters.
Hocus Pocus 2's success has led to inevitable talk of a third entry and Midler recently confirmed that a script is in development but hasn't read it yet.
"I haven't seen the script, but, I've heard rumblings," said Midler while responding to the possibility of Hocus Pocus 3 while appearing on the Busy Philipps' QVC+ talk show Busy This Week.
She continued, "I think if they're gonna, they oughta, because time is not just marching, time is barrel-assing to the finish line. Get us while we're still breathing, I mean, God!"
This aligns with previous remarks from Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, who confirmed back in June 2023 that a third movie is in development and scheduled for Disney+ release.
Anne Fletcher (Step Up, 27 Dresses), who directed the sequel, will return to direct, alongside screenwriter Jen D'Angelo (Young Rock, Workaholics).
Hocus Pocus 2 Synopsis: This Halloween Season, some legends never die. Hocus Pocus 2, an Original movie event, streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reunite for the highly anticipated Disney+ Original Movie “Hocus Pocus 2.” The live-action, long-awaited sequel to the perennial Halloween classic, which brings back the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters for more comedic mayhem, will debut on Disney+ on September 30.
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.