Hocus Pocus 2, a sequel to the 1993 Halloween film Hocus Pocus, has been announced for Disney+.
According to Variety, Adam Shankman is set to direct the sequel to the cult classic. Shankman is known for directing films such as Step Up and 2007’s Hairspray. At the current moment, Shankman is working on a sequel to another Disney property Disenchanted, a sequel to Enchanted. The film will be made for Disney+ specifically.
The original Hocus Pocus starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Disney is hoping that these talented actresses will return for the Disney+ sequel, but so far, no one except Shankman and producer Lynn Harris is attached.
Hocus Pocus is about three witches from Salem 300 years who are resurrected by a boy from Los Angeles. It is then the boy’s responsibility to stop the witch’s evil plans to become immortal. The film is a horror film (well, as scary as a children’s movie can get) as well as a comedy.
The film released in July 1993 and performed poorly at the box office. This was partly because, for some reason, it was a Halloween film released in the Summer. Not only that, Hocus Pocus didn’t get particularly good reviews. But despite these failings, the film has garnered a cult following and continues to make a profit with DVD purchases and rentals. There is an unusually large spike in purchases and rentals during the Halloween season.
Disney+ seems like a great place to revive this cult classic. More and more exclusive movies and TV shows are being created for Disney+, making it a big competitor in the streaming market. Although the sequel might not be for everyone, Disney will appease a lot of fans by giving Hocus Pocus a sequel.
Did you like the original Hocus Pocus? Are you excited for the sequel? Let us know in the comments below!
