THE MARQUEE
Lock up your children and ready the vacuum cleaners, because Salem’s most fabulous unholy trinity is officially rising from the grave once more. After decades of “will-they-won’t-they” teasing and a record-shattering streaming debut that proved nostalgia is the most potent spell in Hollywood, Disney has confirmed the news fans have been chanting for: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are officially lacing up their boots for Hocus Pocus 3.
This isn’t some vague development rumor whispered in a graveyard. The project is in active development at Disney Live Action Studios, and the legendary trio at the heart of the franchise has signed on the dotted line to bring Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson back to life. For the generation that wore out their VHS tapes and still treats October 31st like a high holy day, the news is a hit of pure dopamine. The air in Salem is getting a little chillier, and the smell of singed mothballs and ancient magic is officially back on the breeze.
Disney Live Action EVP of Production Jessica Virtue is steering the ship on this one, ensuring that the third entry maintains the momentum that turned a 1993 box-office underdog into a multi-generational juggernaut. But here’s the real kicker: while the 2022 sequel was a cornerstone of the Disney+ pandemic-era strategy, the studio is reportedly weighing a bold pivot for the third outing. We’re talking about a full-scale, popcorn-munching theatrical release. It’s a move that reflects the sheer drawing power of Midler, Parker, and Najimy, whose chemistry remains the undisputed, lightning-in-a-bottle engine of the series.
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To understand why Disney is putting so much muscle behind the Sanderson Sisters, look no further than the staggering numbers generated by the 2022 sequel. When Hocus Pocus 2 dropped on Disney+, it didn’t just perform well—it obliterated the curve. According to Nielsen, the film racked up over 2.7 billion minutes of viewing time in its opening weekend, instantly becoming the most-watched original film on the platform at that time. That level of engagement signaled to the C-suite that the Sanderson brand wasn't just a nostalgic niche; it was an A-list asset with a cross-generational feedback loop that few modern franchises can replicate.
Bette Midler, the Divine Miss M herself, has been the vocal champion of keeping the Black Flame Candle burning. She’s never been shy about her hunger to step back into Winifred’s buck-toothed grin. “I’m envious of other actors who have franchises, and I was hoping for one eventually,” Midler told Entertainment Weekly during the lead-up to the second film. “I’d love to have a franchise—especially a character I love playing. If there’s a third one, of course I’d sign on.” Midler finally got her wish. The studio is moving forward with a narrative that promises to expand the lore established in the 2022 sequel, ensuring Winifred stays at the center of the campy chaos.
While specific plot details are currently being kept under a heavy layer of protective spells, the creative team is already taking shape. Jen D’Angelo, the pen behind the Hocus Pocus 2 screenplay, has been tapped to return as the writer for the third installment. Director Anne Fletcher, who successfully navigated the sky-high expectations of the second film, is also expected to return to the director’s chair. This continuity in the creative booth suggests Disney wants to keep that specific blend of 17th-century fish-out-of-water comedy and modern-day Salem sensibilities—only this time, they’re scaling it up for the big screen.
From the Living Room to the Cineplex: A Big-Screen Gamble
The potential shift to a theatrical release marks a significant vote of confidence in the Sanderson Sisters’ ability to sell tickets, not just subscriptions. It’s a strategy reminiscent of Moana 2, which shifted from a planned series to a theatrical feature once the studio recognized the brand’s immense cinematic gravity. For the fans, a theatrical release means seeing the sisters’ neon-lit magic and elaborate costumes on the biggest screen possible, a far cry from the direct-to-video feel that many feared the franchise might eventually lean into.
Predictably, social media went into a full-blown meltdown following the confirmation, with #HocusPocus3 quickly trending on X. Fan reactions have been a mix of pure jubilation and deep-dive theories. “If Hannah Waddingham’s Mother Witch doesn’t return to mentor the new coven while the Sandersons cause havoc, what are we even doing?” one fan posted, garnering thousands of likes. Others are clamoring for the return of original cast members who were absent from the second film, such as Omri Katz (Max Dennison), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), and Thora Birch (Dani). While the focus remains squarely on the returning trio, the door for legacy cameos appears wider than ever as the production scales up.
The ending of the second film certainly left plenty of breadcrumbs for D’Angelo to follow. Remember that post-credits scene? A second “Black Flame Candle” sitting in the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, previously owned by Sam Richardson’s character, Gilbert, provides the perfect logical leap for the sisters’ resurrection. Plus, the introduction of Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassy (Lilia Buckingham) as a new coven of witches in Salem provides a modern foil for the Sandersons, setting up a potential clash—or a wicked alliance—that could span the ages.
The enduring appeal of Hocus Pocus lies almost entirely on the shoulders of its leading ladies. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sarah Sanderson, with her ditzy charm and hypnotic siren song, and Kathy Najimy’s Mary, with her crooked smile and uncanny ability to sniff out children, provide the perfect support for Midler’s megalomaniacal Winifred. In the decades since the 1993 film flopped at the box office only to become a perennial hit on cable, the three actresses have maintained a close bond, frequently reuniting for charity events like Midler’s annual Hulaween gala. Their willingness to return to these characters in their 60s and 70s is a testament to the joy they find in the roles—a joy that translates directly to the screen.
Production timelines are still being finalized, but with the scripts in development and the stars officially on board, pre-production is expected to ramp up in the coming months. Jessica Virtue’s involvement suggests Disney is treating this as a top-tier priority for their live-action slate. As the studio looks to bolster its theatrical offerings, the Sanderson Sisters represent a safe but spectacular bet. They’re older, perhaps a bit wiser in the ways of the 21st century, but they haven’t lost their spark. Salem better buckle up, because the Sanderson Sisters aren’t just coming back; they’re looking to take over the world, one cinema at a time.
