Confirmed: Hocus Pocus 3 Is Happening!

Hocus Pocus 3 is happening! It took 30 years for fans of Hocus Pocus to get a sequel. Ever since Hocus Pocus 2‘s overwhelming success (it is the most-watched premiere ever on Disney+), there have been rumors and speculation about a third film. Comments from Hocus Pocus stars, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy have been mixed about the Sanderson Sisters’ future.  Nothing was confirmed, though. Until now.

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Related: Hocus Pocus 2 Continues to Break Records

The New York Times confirmed today that part 3 of the nostalgic film franchise will happen. It was a blink-and-you-‘ll-miss-it kind of thing. The article’s focus was on Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. “Yes, Hocus Pocus 3 is happening,” the article said.

With a single sentence, the article ignited Sanderson Sister fans everywhere. Rumors are circulating again, none with any evidence, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interesting. What will the new movie be about? Hocus Pocus 2 was a stark departure from the first movie. Witches weren’t the villain anymore. The Satanic Panic of our parents’ generation has given way to a more open-minded view in Hocus Pocus 2. Will the third follow suit?

Related: Hocus Pocus 2: The Softer Side of Witchcraft?

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Many have speculated that Hocus Pocus 3 will omit the Sanderson Sisters entirely. Could Hocus Pocus find success without Winnifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson ? Becca, the sequel’s protagonist, could easily carry the story in a new direction. The sequel introduced a new villain, Gilbert, who could take over for the sisters as the new “big bad.” The film could continue the story of his quest for power and Becca’s efforts to stop him.

Related: Hocus Pocus 2  Director Explains Why Main Protagonists are Not Returning 

There’s another interesting idea floating around, though: backstory. The original movie portrayed the Sanderson Sisters as pure evil deserving no sympathy. The sequel changed that. In the second film, we saw the humble and often tragic beginnings of the Sanderson Sisters. Their turn to witchcraft was a desire for agency in an otherwise powerless situation. Hocus Pocus 2 only briefly touched on this, though, and Sanderson Sister fans want more. Could the next installment take us back to 17th century Salem?

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No timeline has been given for Hocus Pocus 3, and, as we understand it, the film is still in early development. At the time of this writing, no casting information is available. As always, stay tuned right here, where we will bring you updates about the movie’s development and progress as soon as they happen.