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It took nearly three decades but the highly anticipated “Hocus Pocus” sequel finally arrived last year, just in time for Halloween. But there’s even more good news for longtime fans of the spooky franchise: a third movie is officially in the works at Disney. That’s right, Walt Disney Pictures president Sean Bailey shared the announcement himself in a New York Times profile published on June 4.
The publication noted that “Hocus Pocus 3” is, indeed, happening while Bailey discussed the 50-plus movies in development and production at the company — which included upcoming live-action versions of “Moana” and “Lilo and Stitch.” No other details have been revealed about the third “Hocus Pocus” at this time, including whether or not all the Sanderson Sisters — Winnie (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) — will return to reprise their roles.
When “Hocus Pocus 2” — which picks up 29 years after the first film with a new group of meddling Salem teenagers — debuted on Disney+ on Sept. 30, 2022, the cast didn’t seem to be looking too far ahead at a potential third movie. “I feel like we’re done. We’ve pulled every story you could pull out of this,” Najimy told Entertainment Weekly at the time. “I guess, never say never, but I feel grateful that we got to do it again. I don’t know that there are plans for a third one, but I know fans are dedicated to this film. I’m just happy we can bring this to them.”
In the same interview, Midler expressed similar feelings: gratitude for getting to revisit the role, uncertainty over the possibility of another one, but an open mind if the right story came along.
“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,” she shared. “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.”
Now that we know a third movie is actually happening, the big question on everyone’s minds is where will the Sanderson Sisters’ story go next? The 2022 sequel ended with the trio vanishing together after a spell gone wrong, but the movie’s post-credits scene teased their potential return. Seeing as though Disney left the door open there, it’s quite possible there’s a way to bring all three “wicked sisters” back for more misadventures — and one of the franchise’s stars has an idea how.
“Kathy had a good idea that the third one should be animated. That would be cool and a smart idea!” Parker told EW. “It’s fun, funny, and could be interesting and innovative, like old-fashioned or new [animation]. Of course, I’d be happy to have a conversation, it just depends on what Kathy and Bette want!”
For now, it’ll be a waiting game to see how Disney handles a third “Hocus Pocus,” but at least fans can rejoice that the movie series will continue once more!
