EXCLUSIVE: Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in early development from Disney Live Action Studios, with the trio of stars, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, returning to reprise their roles as the Sanderson sisters.
We understand there are plans for a theatrical distribution component this time around, following the success of the straight-to-streaming Hocus Pocus 2, available exclusively on Disney+. However, the studio declined to comment as the project is still in its infancy. EVP of Production Jessica Virtue will be overseeing the project on behalf of Disney Live Action.
News of a third installment of the bewitching films was announced in 2023 by Sean Bailey, former President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. After Bailey’s exit from Disney in 2024, Hocus Pocus 3 was left in limbo.
It’s been just shy of 3 years since talk of the newest sequel reached a fever pitch, after Midler revealed a “brilliant” script was ready but “producers [were] working out ‘all those logistical things’ before they can return to complete the trilogy.” Sources tell me the halt in negotiations came down to salary negotiations with Midler, Parker, and Najimy, all of which have since been worked out.
Plot details for Hocus Pocus 3 are currently under wraps.
Released in 1993, Hocus Pocus is set on a Halloween Night when three 17th-century witches—Winnie (Midler), Sarah (Parker), and Mary (Najimy)—are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts, hundreds of years after their heyday. Without missing a beat, the trio attempts to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life.
The film, directed by Kenny Ortega, also starred Omri Katz, Thora Birch, James Marsden, and Sean Murray.
In Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallows’ Eve.
The sequel, directed by Anne Fletcher, also starred Hannah Waddingham, Belissa Escobedo, Tony Hale, and Whitney Peak.
Many former cast members mentioned above have spoken openly about wanting to return to the Sanderson coven, including Birch and Marsden. If it indeed is the final installment of the Hocus Pocus films, it would be great fan service to bring back some familiar faces.
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy
Jonathan Pushnik/Courtesy
Across her lengthy career, Midler has received 4 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Award nominations, 3 Emmy Awards, and 2 Tony Awards. She has been recognized for standout roles in films including The Rose, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Beaches, The First Wives Club, and Hocus Pocus. Midler is represented by CAA.
Parker is widely recognized for leading the Sex and the City franchise and its film sequels. Her film credits also include Ed Wood, The Family Stone, and The First Wives Club. Parker is represented by CAA and Schreck Rose Dapello & Adams LLP.
Najimy is known for her roles in films including Sister Act, Rat Race, The Wedding Planner, and most recently Hoppers. Najimy is represented by Independent Artist Group.