It’s been 30 years since Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson tried to suck the lives out of the children of Salem and their efforts were thwarted by Max and Dani Dennison and their friend Allison. While Hocus Pocus didn’t do well when it was released in theaters — in fact, it was pretty much a flop — it has since gained a cult following and is now one of Disney’s most successful Halloween movies. The film has such a following that Disney has finally listened to the fans and will release the highly-anticipated sequel — Hocus Pocus 2 — on Disney+ on September 30.
There’s a lot we know about Hocus Pocus 2. We know that the movie will tell the story of three teenage girls who accidentally bring the witches back from the grave when they are given the Black Flame Candle by shopkeeper Gilbert — played by Sam Richardson. We also know that the film will not just focus on modern-day Salem. Viewers will also get to see the Sanderson sisters are children who are driven out of the famously haunted town.
Hocus Pocus 2 will not premiere on Disney for about two weeks, but Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker have already been asked about a potential third film in the franchise. The woman spoke with Entertainment Weekly about how they feel about a Hocus Pocus 3 and, while Najimy — who plays Mary Sanderson — thinks that they are done, Midler — who plays Winifred Sanderson — seems to be a bit more hopeful.
I don’t know. I’m envious of other actors who have franchises, and I was hoping for a sequel to First Wives Club, but we never got that. After 30 years with no sequel to Hocus Pocus, I’ve always been envious of people who get to do their favorite character more than once. The fact that we got to do this finally, after 30 years of promoting the idea, I’m glad we got to do it. I’d love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing. If there was a third one, of course I’d sign on, but I don’t know how. I can’t imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship. It’s good for women. We stick together through hell and high water, but we do cause mayhem, and not many women cause that much mayhem!
Parker — who plays Sarah Sanderson — noted that Najimy had suggested that a potential third film should be animated, an idea that she supports.
It remains to be seen if a third film is even a possibility, but there are so many people looking forward to Hocus Pocus 2 that the movie is sure to be a hit! Hocus Pocus 2 will be available to all Disney+ subscribers beginning September 30. The movie will also star Tony Hale as Mayor Traske, Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, Lilia Buckingham as Cassie, Whitney Peak as Becca, and Hannah Waddingham as the Witch from 1600s Salem. Doug Jones will also return to reprise his role as Billy Butcherson.
Hocus Pocus 2 is directed by Anne Fletcher and was written by Jen D’Angelo, with Adam Shankman will serve as an executive producer.
