Just over 30 years ago, Disney released the Halloween movie Hocus Pocus. The film starred Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as the wicked Sanderson sisters. Winifred Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, and Sarah Sanderson return from the dead to Salem, Massachusetts, after 300 years and attempt to steal the lives of Salem’s children, so they can live forever. The film was not an immediate hit, but has since become a cult classic and one of Disney’s most successful holiday films.
For years, fans begged Disney for a sequel film. Then, finally, in 2022, Hocus Pocus 2 was released on Disney+. Midler, Najimy, and Parker all returned.
Fans loved the sequel and quickly started asking for another film in the franchise. Sadly, Midler, Najimy, and Parker have said it is unlikely they would come back. However, that has not stopped Disney from deciding to make another movie!
Recently, the President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production — Sean Bailey — spoke to The New York Times. During his interview, in which he mainly spoke about Disney’s newest live-action film, The Little Mermaid, Bailey confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 is in the works!
Per The New York Times:
Mr. Bailey, who watched “The Little Mermaid” 18 times as it worked its way through Disney’s pipeline, has more than 50 movies in various stages of development and production, including live-action versions of “Moana,” “Hercules” and “Lilo and Stitch.” Yes, “Hocus Pocus 3” is happening. (His division makes two or three big-budget films annually for release in theaters and three modestly budgeted movies for Disney+.)
At this time, we have no further details on what the new story could entail. However, the 2022 sequel introduced viewers to three best friends — Becca, Izzy, and Cassie. Becca and Izzy accidentally bring the sisters back, and must fight to save Salem. In the end, Becca discovers that she may not be a normal teenager. She may be closer to the Sandersons than she thought. Disney set the story to continue with three new friends, one who appears to be a witch.
As with Hocus Pocus 2, the third film in the franchise is expected to be released on Disney+. Hocus Pocus 2 was the most successful film ever released on the streaming platform, so the third movie may also be very successful. Disney no longer has Premier Access — where subscribers pay extra to watch a newly released film. However, with Disney+ struggling to earn a profit, it is possible Disney could decide to bring it back.
Disney Fanatic will keep readers updated as we learn more about Hocus Pocus 3.
