‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Moves Forward at Disney

Disney is moving ahead with a third installment in the Hocus Pocus franchise, with early development now underway. The project brings back the original trio of stars, as Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are all expected to return as the Sanderson sisters.

The creative team behind the previous sequel is also staying involved. Director Anne Fletcher and writer Jen D’Angelo, who worked on Hocus Pocus 2, are set to continue their roles on the new film.

There are also early plans for a possible theatrical release this time. The previous sequel was released directly on Disney+, but the studio is now considering bringing the third film to cinemas.

The project is being overseen by Jessica Virtue, who works in production for Disney Live Action. While the film is still in the early stages, the involvement of key cast and crew suggests Disney is treating it as a priority.

The Hocus Pocus story began in 1993 with the original film, which followed three witches returning to modern-day Salem. At first, it did not perform strongly at the box office. However, over time it built a strong fan base through home video, TV broadcasts, and streaming. Today, it is widely seen as a Halloween favorite.

Interest in the franchise eventually led to a sequel more than two decades later, released in 2022. That film revived the characters for a new generation and helped push Disney to continue expanding the story further.

The main cast members also bring long-established careers to the project. Bette Midler is known for her award-winning work in music, film, and theater. Sarah Jessica Parker is best known for her leading role in Sex and the City and several films. Kathy Najimy has appeared in a range of popular comedies and family films over the years.

Right now, many details about the plot and release timing remain unknown, as the project is still in its early phase.

Disney clearly sees long-term value in bringing back familiar franchises, and Hocus Pocus is one of the few that has grown stronger with time instead of fading. The return of the original cast is a smart move if they want to keep the charm that made the films popular. Still, the challenge will be to make the third film feel fresh instead of repeating what fans already know. What do you think about Disney continuing this story? Share your thoughts in the comments.