Hocus Pocus 3: Director Kenny Ortegas Hocus Pocus (1993) graced the screens 30 years ago, introducing the world to the wickedly entertaining Sanderson Sisters: Bette Midler as Winifred Winnie Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson. Although it faced an initial setback at the box office, Hocus Pocus has since risen to the status of a beloved cult classic over the last three decades.
Nearly 30 years later, Midler, Parker, and Najimy donned their witchy roles once more for Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), a sequel exclusively available on Disney+. This enchanting return to Salem, Massachusetts, where young Max Dennison (Omri Katz) inadvertently brought the Sistahhhs! back to life in the original film, introduced us to a young Winnie Sanderson as she encounters Mother Witch, portrayed by Emmy-winning actress Hannah Waddingham (known for her role in Ted Lasso).
The debut of Hocus Pocus 2 on The Walt Disney Company’s Disney+ on September 30, 2022, marked a significant achievement, as it became the most-streamed film premiere in the United States for the streaming service. Disney’s strategic decision to release the sequel during the fall season, close to Halloween, undoubtedly contributed to its successa tactic not replicated this year with the release of the rebooted Haunted Mansion (2023) film.
Haunted Mansion, directed by Justin Simien, premiered during the summer season and unfortunately underperformed at the box office, collecting just under $117 million during its theatrical run. The decision to release what could have been a fall season blockbuster in the middle of summer left many perplexed, but it found a new audience when it made its debut on Disney+ on October 4.
Turning our gaze to Disney’s upcoming offerings in the realm of chilling entertainment, prospects appear less favorable for Hocus Pocus 3, with screenwriter Jen DAngelo sharing a somewhat disheartening update about the project.
Were still in the story phase; were still working on it. Weve been working on some ideas, and its been fun to dive back into that world, and we have so many directions in which to go and so many new characters to explore, DAngelo revealed to Entertainment Weekly. Weve only scratched the surface of Hannah Waddinghams mother witch.
For some, this news may bring a glimmer of hope, especially considering that the third film was officially announced earlier this year. However, for most fans of the Hocus Pocus franchise, it signals that Hocus Pocus 3 is still a distant prospect. Yet, the loyal followers of the series did endure nearly three decades of anticipation for the second installment.
The delay in crafting Hocus Pocus 3 was primarily due to the Writers Guild of America strikes that swept the nation earlier this year. While the WGA ultimately reached an agreement with studios, enabling the pens to return to paper, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) continue their struggle for workplace fairness and better protection.
In addition to these industry challenges, this Hocus Pocus franchise update comes after Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, embarked on a content culling campaign on Disney+ in an effort to save $5 billion across all aspects of the company. This aggressive content purge saw the removal of beloved series like The Mysterious Benedict Society and Lucasfilms Willow from the streaming platform, along with the abandonment of new films such as Crater (2023), which were shelved mere months after their release.
Also read: Unveiling Lisa Frankenstein: Diablo Cody’s Quirky Take on Teenage Romance
Our Reader’s Queries
Will there be a Hocus Pocus 3?
Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in the works, as confirmed by Walt Disney Pictures President, San Bailey, in June 2023.
Is there a 4th Sanderson sister?
The novel Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel was published in 2018. It featured a novelization of the first movie and a follow-up story set 25 years after. The new addition to the story was the introduction of Elizabeth as the youngest Sanderson sister, who was completely different from her three siblings.
Where is Hocus Pocus 3 filming?
The second movie was recorded in Rhode Island, whereas the first was filmed in Salem. The follow-up broke a new weekend streaming record with 2.7 billion minutes watched, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter, and it ranked as the fifth most-watched movie in 2022.
Is Hocus Pocus 2 the end?
Caution: Plot details ahead for “Hocus Pocus 2.” By the end of the movie, it seems like the Sanderson sisters have left Salem permanently. Disney boss Sean Bailey has revealed that a third “Hocus Pocus” film is currently being worked on.