Release Date, Cast, and Plot Updates – Hollywood Life

The Hocus Pocus films have become an integral part of Halloween traditions for many families. The original movie, released in 1993, has garnered a devoted fan base, evolving into a beloved cult classic over the years. The iconic trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters have become synonymous with Halloween festivities, captivating audiences with their charm and humor. Their performances continue to resonate, making it impossible to imagine Halloween without these enchanting characters.

After a nearly two-decade hiatus, the beloved Sanderson sisters reunited for the highly anticipated Disney+ sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, which premiered in September 2022. The film achieved remarkable success, quickly becoming the most-watched movie in Disney+ history and breaking records with over 2.7 billion minutes of viewing time. This phenomenon illustrates the enduring popularity of the franchise and its ability to capture the hearts of both new and returning fans.

So, could this fervent cult following actually lead to the creation of a Hocus Pocus 3?

Rest assured, fans, because a third installment of Hocus Pocus is actively in the works, with the creative team shaping big plans for one particular character. Hollywood Life is your go-to source for all the latest updates regarding Hocus Pocus 3, so stay tuned for what’s next for our favorite witches.

Has ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Been Officially Confirmed?

Oh, what a glorious morning it is for fans — indeed, Hocus Pocus 3 is confirmed to be in development. In June 2023, Sean Bailey, the president of Walt Disney Pictures, officially announced the plans for a third Hocus Pocus movie during an interview with the New York Times. This confirmation has sparked excitement among fans eager for the continuation of the Sanderson sisters’ adventures.

However, the production process did not gain traction until May 2026, when Deadline reported that the film was officially in development and anticipated a potential theatrical release. This timeline suggests that the creative team is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the sequel meets fan expectations and maintains the charm of the original films.

What Will Be the Plot of ‘Hocus Pocus 3’?

The talented screenwriter Jen D’Angelo is currently crafting the narrative for the much-anticipated Hocus Pocus 3. While details remain under wraps, she has hinted that the mysterious Mother Witch will likely play a significant role in the sequel. This intriguing character could bring new dynamics and challenges for the Sanderson sisters to navigate.

“We’re still in the story phase, we’re still working on it,” Jen shared in an interview with EW. “We’ve been working on some ideas. It’s been fun to dive back into that world, and we have endless directions to explore, along with numerous new characters. We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of Hannah Waddingham’s intriguing Mother Witch character.”

At the conclusion of Hocus Pocus 3, Winifred is reunited with her sisters, Sarah and Mary, after they seemingly fade to dust. While this moment appears to signal a potential end for the Sanderson sisters, the world of witchcraft allows for endless possibilities. The sequel teased a future film when a crow, previously transformed by the Mother Witch, is spotted flying overhead, hinting at new adventures to come. Additionally, in a post-credits scene, Gilbert’s cat, Cobweb, is seen crossing a box labeled “Black Flame Candle #2,” further fueling speculation about the sequel.

Who Will Star in ‘Hocus Pocus 3’?

The original Sanderson sisters, Bette, Sarah, and Kathy, are set to reprise their iconic roles in the third film, delighting fans eager to see their return. However, as of now, no other official casting announcements have been made for Hocus Pocus 3. Given the screenwriter’s mention of the Mother Witch, it is likely that Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in Ted Lasso, will also return for this much-anticipated sequel.

Unless Hocus Pocus 3 takes a time travel twist or explores alternative narratives, we can expect to see new characters Becca, Izzy, and Cassie returning. The talented trio of actresses, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, and Lilia Buckingham, captivated audiences as the new generation of witches in the sequel.

Whitney Peak shared her thoughts exclusively with Hollywood Life regarding the prospects of Hocus Pocus 3 prior to the release of Hocus Pocus 2. “I mean, I would be down. But I don’t know if there is. I feel like everybody keeps asking me, and I’m like, there is kind of a post-credits scene that leaves the door open, but you didn’t hear that from me,” the actress playfully remarked.

What about the beloved Bette, Sarah, and Kathy? Hocus Pocus wouldn’t be the same without the Sanderson sisters. The trio has previously expressed their interest in the possibility of a third movie.

“If there was a third one, of course, I’d sign on, but I don’t know how,” Bette shared with EW. “I can’t imagine what the story would be, but I adore Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, as well as our unique relationship. It’s empowering for women. We support each other through thick and thin, yet we do create chaos, and not many women can claim that level of mayhem!”

Sarah expressed her openness to discussing a third movie, stating it all “depends on what Kathy and Bette want!” Conversely, Kathy pointed out, “I feel like we’re done. We’ve explored every storyline possible. I guess, never say never, but I feel grateful for the chance to do it again. I’m not sure if there are plans for a third one, but I know the fans are deeply committed to this film. It brings me joy to know we can provide this experience for them.”

Fans of Hocus Pocus expressed disappointment that Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Thora Birch, and Jason Marsden did not reprise their roles in the sequel, as their characters from the original film were notably absent. “We weren’t invited to that meeting,” Omri revealed during the Hocus Pocus 90s Con panel. “So we don’t really know why we weren’t included. The fan base seemed eager to see something with us. … It’s challenging to understand the decisions made regarding the direction they want to take.” There is hope that Hocus Pocus 3 could bring Max, Allison, Dani, and Thackery Binx back into the fold, reigniting the nostalgia for long-time fans!