Disney Confirms ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Is in the Works
The Sanderson Sisters of Salem are reuniting for Hocus Pocus 2, set to premiere on Disney+ in 2022. The three witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy are back for a sequel to the 1993 Disney Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus. Although rumors have been circulating about a sequel, on May 20, the three actresses officially confirmed that they are returning to their occult roles.
Sistaaaahs! It’s been 300 years… But we’re BACK! 🧹 #HocusPocus2 arrives Fall 2022 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/OFMTlfjCDq
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) May 20, 2021
In the first film, the Sanderson Sisters return to Salem on Halloween, three hundred years after being tried for witchcraft. A local Salem teen fulfills the sisters’ spell and brings them back by lighting a candle. The witches try to pick up where they left off and absorb childrens’ youth for their own but are shocked by life in the 20th century. With iconic musical numbers and comedic moments, Hocus Pocus quickly became a Halloween staple.
The sequel will follow a similar plot. However, this time, three young women will unknowingly summon the Sanderson Sisters. They will have to interact with life in modern-day Salem nearly thirty years after their initial return.
Adam Shankman, the director of the first film, will not be directing the upcoming installment because of his commitment to Disenchanted, the sequel to Disney’s 2007 films, Enchanted, starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. Still, Shankman will be part of the filmmaking process as an executive producer.
According to Variety, Shankman stated, “As heartbroken as I am that I won’t be able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jessica and Kathy in what is sure to be nothing short of a major event for Disney Plus due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more pleased to be handing over the reins to Anne, who has brought so much laughter and joy into people’s lives with her previous work.”
It’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus 2️⃣ Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy will reprise their roles as the delightfully wicked Sanderson Sisters in #HocusPocus2, coming fall 2022 to @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/antKQqf61e
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) May 20, 2021
Instead, Anne Fletcher, a longtime friend of Shankman, will direct the Hocus Pocus 2. Fletcher has worked on films like Step Up, The Proposal, and 27 Dresses and is a longtime friend of the original director. The two will be working closely to bring the Sanderson Sisters back to our screens.
Regarding the sequel, Fletcher stated, “We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film. I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special. This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Disney announced a legit Hocus Pocus 2 and !!!/$/$/7181828!;!,!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/OEUhmG6cgE
— megan (@jegan__mones) May 20, 2021
As long as I live long enough to to see hocus pocus 2 I will consider that a full life.
— halfdrankwhiteclaw (@gage_limbach) May 20, 2021
Currently, there is not a confirmed date for the sequel’s Disney+ debut. It’s also up in the air if anyone else from the original cast will return, but fans are already counting down the days to the 2022 premiere.
