Hocus Pocus 3 is brewing at Disney

The Sanderson sisters aren’t done with Salem just yet. According to Deadline, Disney has quietly lit the creative Black Flame Candle again, with Hocus Pocus 3 now in early development at Disney Studios.

Of course Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are all set to swoop back in as the iconic witchy trio. With talk of a possible big-screen run this time, fans could be in for the Sandersons’ most magical return yet.

What is Hocus Pocus 3 about?

Story-wise, Disney is keeping Hocus Pocus 3 firmly under wraps for now, so there’s no official logline or synopsis just yet. The film is in early development at Disney Studios, which means the script and story are still being worked up behind the scenes.

Given the legacy of the first two films, you can safely expect more Halloween chaos in Salem and another chance for the Sandersons’ brand of mischief, but nothing has been confirmed.

Who is in the cast?

Hocus Pocus 3 will bring back the franchise’s magical core: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are all returning as Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson respectively. Per Deadline, the trio’s deals have now been worked out after earlier negotiations, clearing the way for them to officially reprise their witchy roles.

The wider cast has not yet been announced, but there’s plenty of interest from familiar faces. Original stars such as Thora Birch and James Marsden have previously spoken about wanting to return to the Sanderson coven, and sources have hinted that bringing back past cast members would be a major bit of fan service if this does end up being the final film.

When is it out?

There is no release date for Hocus Pocus 3 yet as it has only just moved into early development.

Where can I watch it?

Disney is planning a theatrical component this time, following the huge streaming success of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, although the studio isn’t officially commenting yet. That means Hocus Pocus 3 is being lined up as a big-screen event before it inevitably finds a home on Disney’s own streaming platform.

What happens in Hocus Pocus 1 and 2?

The original Hocus Pocus, released in 1993, is set on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts, when three 17th-century witches – Winnie, Sarah and Mary – are accidentally resurrected after a teenager lights the Black Flame Candle. Once they’re back, the sisters immediately set about trying to steal the life essence from the town’s children to secure eternal youth, forcing a group of kids and a talking cat to race against sunrise to stop them.

In Hocus Pocus 2, set 29 years later, the Black Flame Candle is lit again and the Sanderson sisters return seeking revenge. This time, three high school students have to stop the witches from unleashing a fresh wave of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallows’ Eve. The sequel, directed by Anne Fletcher, leans into legacy and chaos with new characters crossing paths with the legendary coven.

Where can I watch the films?

Hocus Pocus 1 and 2 are currently available to stream exclusively on Disney+, where the latter debuted as a straight-to-streaming release in 2022.

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