Latest on ‘Hocus Pocus 3’- Is It Still in Development?
As October chills fill the air and jack-o’-lanterns light up porches, it’s time to dust off your broomstick and revisit the Sanderson sisters. The 1993 hit Hocus Pocus has become a Halloween must-watch for families everywhere. Its mix of goofy witches, teen mishaps, and catchy spells has kept fans hooked for over three decades.
Then came Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022, a Disney+ sequel that brought back Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy for more Salem chaos. That movie broke records as one of the streamer’s top originals.
Via The Hollywood Reporter
No wonder Disney teased a third chapter in 2023. But with Halloween 2025 here and no cameras rolling yet, fans are left wondering – Will Winifred, Sarah, and Mary ever cackle again? Let’s brew up the latest details on Hocus Pocus 3, from stalled scripts to fresh teases that could light the black flame candle once more.
The Magic Behind the Franchise – A Quick Recap
Before diving into the third film’s fate, it’s worth remembering why Hocus Pocus casts such a spell. Released in 1993, the original movie follows three bumbling witches from 1600s Salem who get resurrected on All Hallows’ Eve by a curious kid. Chaos ensues as they hunt for immortality while dodging a quirky cast of locals, including a zombie cat and singing teens.
Via US Weekly
Directed by Kenny Ortega, known for High School Musical, the film flopped at first but exploded on home video. Its blend of scares, laughs, and ’90s flair turned it into a cult gem. Fast-forward to 2022. Hocus Pocus 2, helmed by Anne Fletcher, picks up 29 years later. New teens accidentally summon the sisters again, leading to fresh hijinks with modern twists like viral dances and coffee shop spells.
Stars like Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo shine as the next-gen heroes, while Hannah Waddingham adds bite as the “Mother Witch.” The sequel honored the original’s heart while updating it for today’s audiences. It racked up 2.7 billion minutes watched in its first week on Disney+. That success screamed sequel, or rather, threequel. But turning hype into reality takes time, especially in Hollywood’s ever-shifting landscape.
Via The Cosmic Circus
When Can We Expect Hocus Pocus 3? Release Date Rumors
No official release date exists for Hocus Pocus 3, and that’s the biggest bubble in this witch’s brew. Disney greenlit the project in June 2023, right after the sequel’s triumph. Then-president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, Sean Bailey, called it a go during a chat with The New York Times.
He praised the story team’s early ideas and confirmed Fletcher and writer Jen D’Angelo would return. Fans dreamed of a 2025 Halloween drop, but strikes and schedules pushed things back. The 2023 Writers Guild of America strike halted script work for months. Once it ended in September, D’Angelo shared hope with Entertainment Weekly.
Via Parade
Yet, by mid-2025, progress felt as slow as a broomstick in traffic. Sarah Jessica Parker, during a July appearance on Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen, admitted, “No more developments other than we would like to do it. We’ve been having some conversations.” Ouch, polite, but not the spell fans craved.
Now, as of early October 2025, a spark of excitement flickers. On October 2, Bette Midler dropped cryptic Instagram posts – a snap of the infamous black flame candle and a video of her goofing around with Parker and Najimy in full Sanderson gear. Disney loves tying these to spooky season, so mark your calendars for fall viewing.
Via WKYC
Is Hocus Pocus 3 Still Happening? The Honest Scoop
Short answer – Yes, but it’s wobbling like Mary Sanderson on a sugar rush. Disney hasn’t pulled the plug, and the cast’s enthusiasm keeps the cauldron bubbling. The sequel’s massive viewership, outpacing even Encanto at launch, makes it a no-brainer financially. Yet, Hollywood delays are common. Post-strike backlogs, actor schedules, and budget tweaks have all played a role.
D’Angelo’s 2023 update painted a vibrant picture – new characters, wild adventures, and untapped lore from the witchy world. But 2024 brought urgency from the stars. Bette Midler, on QVC’s Busy This Week, joked, “If they’re gonna do it, they oughta, because time is barrel-assing to the finish line. Get us while we’re still breathing!” At 79, her nudge was loving but firm.
Via Teen Vogue
Original cast members like Omri Katz (Max Dennison) have voiced interest in returning, telling outlets he’d jump in if asked. Vinessa Shaw and Jason Marsden feel the same. Without a full script or start date, though, it’s limbo. Disney’s focus on live-action remakes and Marvel might sideline it, but the franchise’s evergreen appeal argues against that. Bottom line – It’s alive, just brewing slowly.
Sarah Jessica Parker – Ready to Dance Back as Sarah Sanderson?
If anyone embodies Hocus Pocus’ bubbly chaos, it’s Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, the ditzy siren with killer pipes. From belting “I Put a Spell on You” to her zombie-cat loyalty, she’s the heart of the coven. Parker, 60, has been vocal about loving the role. At the 2022 sequel premiere, she told Extra, “I hitch my wagon to Bette’s star. If she wants a third, no one says no to the Divine Miss M.”
Via Screen Rant
Her July 2025 update tempered excitement but reaffirmed commitment. “We would like to do it,” she shared on Andy Cohen’s show, noting ongoing talks. Parker’s busy, starring in And Just Like That… Season 3 and producing docs like The Librarians, but she’d clear her calendar for Salem. Fans adore her mix of Sex and the City glamour and witchy whimsy.
Bette Midler – Winifred Sanderson’s Fiery Return on the Horizon?
Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson is pure gold, bossy, book-smart, and hilariously over-the-top. Her “Double, double, toil and trouble” rants and stage-diva energy stole every scene. At 79, Midler worries about timing but burns to reprise the role. Her 2024 QVC plea was a fan-favorite – “I’ve heard rumblings. Hurry up, Disney!” It highlighted the sisters’ real-life bond, forged over decades.
Via CBR
Midler’s October 2 posts, candle pic captioned mysteriously, plus a coven clip, sent ripples. Was it a nod to filming? Her Instagram history shows she loves teasing fans, but this felt pointed. Midler, a Grammy winner and Broadway legend, thrives on Hocus Pocus’ camp. She’s eyed for more Disney gigs, like Hairspray live-action.
Kathy Najimy – Mary’s Goofy Charm Here to Stay?
Kathy Najimy’s Mary Sanderson is the coven’s loyal klutz, sniffing out trouble with wide-eyed devotion. Her physical comedy, from butter-slathered faces to broom crashes, lands every laugh. Najimy, 67, hasn’t inked a deal yet, but her sequel joy suggests she’s game. In 2022, she pitched animation to Entertainment Weekly, calling it “cool and smart.” It could suit her slapstick style, dodging age makeup woes.
Via MovieWeb
Parker name-dropped Najimy’s idea recently, saying she’d chat if Bette and Kathy were in. Najimy’s activism and roles in Sister Act show her range, but Mary’s simple heart is her sweet spot. Expect her back, whether live or drawn, keeping the trio’s dynamic intact. Without Mary, the coven crumbles, and fans know it.
Fresh Faces and Returning Heroes
Beyond the core three, Hocus Pocus 3 teases a mix of old and new. Hannah Waddingham’s Mother Witch from the sequel looms large. D’Angelo hinted at expanding her backstory; maybe she’s the sisters’ origin or a rival? Waddingham, fresh from Ted Lasso, brings sharp wit that fits. Originals like Katz, Shaw (Allison), and Marsden (Dakota/Halloween cat) want in, bridging eras.
Via Variety
Sequel stars Peak, Escobedo, and Lilia Buckingham could evolve, with Buckingham teasing her character’s “power corruption.” Tony Hale and Sam Richardson added laughs last time; their return would amp the ensemble. Newbies? Speculation swirls around young talents for witch apprentices or Salem sleuths. Disney might nod to lore, like Thackery Binx’s curse.
Anne Fletcher – The Director Stirring the Potion Again
Anne Fletcher returns to direct, a win for continuity. Her Hocus Pocus 2 work balanced nostalgia with fresh energy, earning praise for dance numbers and effects. Fletcher’s resume sparkles – Step Up launched Channing Tatum, The Proposal paired Sandra Bullock with Ryan Reynolds, and Dumplin’ celebrated body positivity with Dolly Parton.
Via Los Angeles Daily News
Her knack for feel-good romps suits Hocus Pocus’ tone, scary-funny without true frights. She knows the sisters’ chemistry and Salem’s vibe. If animation happens, Fletcher could adapt seamlessly, like blending live-action flashbacks. Her vision might push bolder visuals, like enchanted forests or time-warped spells. Fans trust her to honor the magic.
Why Hocus Pocus Endures – Timeless Halloween Vibes
What makes this franchise spellbinding? It’s more than witches; it’s family bonds amid frights. The originals tapped ’90s teen angst, the sequel added Gen Z flair. Themes of sisterhood, forgiveness, and embracing weirdness resonate. Salem’s real history adds edge, but the film’s light touch keeps it kid-friendly.
Via Radio Times
Halloween ties it tight – Costumes, candy, and midnight mischief mirror the plot. Quotes like “It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus!” pepper parties. Streaming ease lets generations share it. Compared to The Nightmare Before Christmas or Coraline, Hocus Pocus wins on laughs over gore.
Discover the Latest News on ‘Hocus Pocus 3’
The films spiked merch – Candles, tees, and Loungefly bags. Salem tourism booms, witch museums draw crowds. It inspired parodies, fan art, and even novels. Disney+ watch surge yearly, proving its pull. Disney milks hits smartly. Hocus Pocus’ low-risk, high-reward path mirrors The Santa Clause sequels. But with stars aging, urgency grows.
Via Los Angeles Times
A 2026 drop fits, post-Deadpool & Wolverine hype. Hocus Pocus 3 hangs in misty limbo, but signs point to yes. From stalled stories to Midler’s tease, the coven’s not done. This Halloween, stream the first two, quote lines, and dream big. The sisters remind us – Magic happens when you believe. Who knows? By next October, you might just fly again.
