Hocus Pocus 3: Cast, Story & Everything We Know (2024)

Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development, and there have already been some teases from Disney surrounding the cast, story, and release date of the threequel. It took 29 years for Disney to release a sequel to 1993's Hocus Pocus, which stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches known as the Sanderson Sisters. Though not an instant box office hit, Hocus Pocus gained popularity in the decades that followed, thanks to seasonal cable viewing around Halloween.

Following Hocus Pocus' footsteps decades later, the second movie sees a group of Salem residents inadvertently bring back Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson. Winifred finally realizes that she has been putting her role as the most powerful Sanderson Sister above her relationship with her sisters after a spell for ultimate power means sacrificing Mary and Sarah. While Winifred realizes that she would rather reunite with her sisters, it isn't the end for the coven. In fact, a new witch could be in focus for Hocus Pocus 3 based on how the Disney+ sequel purposely seems to leave open a few storylines to explore.

Most Recent Hocus Pocus 3 News

Bette Midler Offers A Hocus Pocus 3 Update

Coming a year after the threequel was officially green lit, Bette Midler has provided an update on Hocus Pocus 3. In an interview on TheJess Cagle Show, the star spoke fondly of the cult classic and its sequel, while explaining that the newest movie in the trilogy is still in early development. This update is somewhat disheartening considering the year that has passed since the movie was announced, but delays could be explained by the WGA strike which consumed much of 2023. However, Midler's newest comments at least confirm that the project is a priority for Disney.

Read Midler's comments below:

Now, they're kind of talking about a third, very gingerly and very gently. They are. They're talking about a third. The second one was a huge success.

She is the closest thing I will ever get to Shakespeare. She's from the era, from the time of Shakespeare. She really does put it on, and yet she has all the great things you love in a great villain. She's vicious, she's hilarious, she's ridiculous-looking, and she doesn't know any of that. It goes completely over her head.

Hocus Pocus 3 Is Confirmed

Hocus Pocus Will Be A Trilogy

Hocus Pocus 3 is happening, with Walt Disney Pictures President San Bailey confirming that Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development in June 2023. While Hocus Pocus 2 received mixed reviews, it was a huge hit on Disney+, as it was the service's most-viewed movie premiere (via Comicbook.com), so it's hardly surprising that a sequel has been greenlit. However, while Hocus Pocus 2 was released directly to Disney+, it's unclear if the threequel will follow suit.

Hocus Pocus 3 Cast

Will All The Sanderson Sisters Be Back In Hocus Pocus 3?

The Hocus Pocus 3 cast hasn't been confirmed, but several franchise characters are hopeful that they'll reprise their roles. Director Anne Fletcher explained (viaSFX Magazine) that she intentionally "kept it wide open for any sequel." Midler, Najimy, and Parker all sound supportive of doing Hocus Pocus 3. When speaking on the Hocus Pocus 3 possibility, Midler stated she would sign on but questioned where the story could go. Parker shared a similar sentiment: "Of course I'd be happy to have a conversation [for a third film]".

Max actor Omri Katz revealed that he also wanted to return for the threequel. Hocus Pocus 2 writer Jen D’Angelo wants to see Katz and Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison, join the Hocus Pocus 3 cast (via Variety). The screenwriter explained, "We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out... But I’m hoping in Hocus Pocus 3, we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.” In addition, Sam Richardson, who played the villain Gilbert in Hocus Pocus 2, has expressed vehement interest in returning to the franchise (via Twitter).

The presumptive cast of Hocus Pocus 3 includes:

Actor	Hocus Pocus Role
Bette Midler	Winifred Sanderson
Sarah Jessica Parker	Sarah Sanderson
Kathy Najimy	Mary Sanderson
Whitney Peak	Becca
Belissa Escobedo	Izzy
Lilia Buckingham	Cassie Traske
Sam Richardson	Gilbert
Hannah Waddingham	Mother Witch
Doug Jones	Billy Butcherson
Tony Hale	Jefry Traske

Hocus Pocus 3 Story

What Is Hocus Pocus 3 Going To Be About?

The Hocus Pocus 3 plot has yet to be revealed, but the story can easily be guessed based on the last film. When Winifred chooses to return to her sisters at the end of Hocus Pocus 2, the special spellbook, referred to as "Book," finds new ownership in Becca, setting up the Hocus Pocus 3 story. More importantly, Becca, who turns 16 that same Halloween night, finds out that she has the powers of a witch. Her newfound powers could even be the focus of Hocus Pocus 3 as the torch is passed to a new crew in Salem.

Hannah Waddingham's Hocus Pocus 2 character, The Witch Mother, is also lurking around in her bird form and can be seen as the teenage trio walks home in the movie's final moments. Of course, the most intriguing Hocus Pocus 3 story setup comes in the end credits scene, which reveals that Gilbert's magic shop houses a second Black Flame candle, an object needed to bring back the Sanderson Sisters.