The Long-Delayed Spooky Sequel to a 1993 Classic Is Casting a Spell Over the Streaming Chart 3 Years After Its Release

has once again become popular with the arrival of Halloween season. First released in September 2022, it received varied reviews but attracted a massive audience on Disney+. The return of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters – the iconic witches – proved to be a big, nostalgic hit for Halloween fans. Although news about a third movie is still hard to come by, this legacy sequel is returning to cast its spell on Disney+ subscribers once more.

When news came out about a sequel to Hocus Pocus, many thought the moment had passed. The original 1993 film was a popular spooky favorite, and it was exciting to hear that many of the original actors would be returning. After a few delays because of the Covid pandemic, the movie finally came out three years ago and quickly became a huge hit, earning nearly 3 billion minutes of viewing time – the most ever for a movie launch on Disney+. Now, the film is back at number two on the platform, showing that some movies consistently attract viewers around a specific time of year.

The original 1993 cult hit sees a spike in interest every year, and the sequel has very quickly piggybacked on the same trend. While many classic spooky, creepy, and outright horrifying movies have been added to the Disney+ library (or on Hulu in the U.S.) it seems that Hocus Pocus 2 has found that same sweet spot its predecessor has held for three decades as a go-to Halloween family watch. For those who have not yet reacquainted themselves with the Sanderson sisters’ return, the synopsis reads:

Nearly three decades have passed since the Black Flame Candle was lit, bringing the 17th-century Sanderson sisters back to life, and they’re determined to get revenge. Now, it’s the responsibility of three high school students to prevent these insatiable witches from causing chaos in Salem before sunrise on All Hallow’s Eve.

Will ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Happen?

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Following the popularity of Hocus Pocus 2 – it performed well with viewers even if critics weren’t fully on board – many immediately wondered when Hocus Pocus 3 would be announced. In 2023, there were some developments regarding a third film, with reports indicating that director Anne Fletcher and screenwriter Jen D’Angelo were likely to return, as were Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. D’Angelo also hinted that we might see more of Hannah Waddingham’s Mother Witch character in the next installment. She shared with Entertainment Weekly:

I think she’s the key mother figure, specifically the one connected to the ‘scorpion pie’ storyline, and I suspect her relationship with the others is deeper than what we’ve seen so far. We may learn more about this in the future. I’m hoping we can fully develop these stories and give these characters lots of exciting adventures. 3 is still in the very early planning stages – we haven’t fully decided what it will be – but we’re considering all possibilities. Everyone is thrilled with how well Hocus Pocus 2 was received, and we’re eager to continue telling these stories.

Since then, both Midler and Parker have said they’d be willing to come back, but they’ve also frustrated many fans by repeatedly stating they haven’t been told anything about a possible sequel. Midler, who will turn 80 this December, has mentioned before that if another sequel is going to happen, things need to progress “while we are still breathing.” While it’s a rather grim and realistic statement, it’s hard to argue with its truth.

2025-10-05 15:33

Will ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Happen?

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