Lock up your children, Salem; the Sanderson sisters are back AGAIN! Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development at Disney. This news was revealed in a New York Times interview with Sean Bailey, the President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. Bailey is responsible for reimagining many Disney classics for the modern audience. Such projects have included the live-action adaptations of The Lion King, Aladdin, and, most recently, The Little Mermaid. Hocus Pocus 3 is among around 50 other projects Bailey has in the works for Disney. This project was announced less than a year after Hocus Pocus 2 debuted on Disney+ in September 2022. The film ended up breaking streaming records, so it’s no surprise Disney is going forward with Hocus Pocus 3.
What is Disney’s Plan With ‘Hocus Pocus 3?’
Last year, Entertainment Weekly asked Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy if Hocus Pocus 3 was a possibility. Midler responded, “If there was a third one, of course I’d sign on, but I don’t know how. I can’t imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship.” Najimy said while she’s “never say never,” she felt that Hocus Pocus 2 ended in a way that “pulled every story you could pull out of this” series. Sarah Jessica Parker said Najimy once suggested they could do an animated third movie. “That would be cool and a smart idea. It’s fun, funny, and could be interesting and innovative, like old-fashioned or new [animation],” Parker said.
While Hocus Pocus 2 did end with the Sanderson sisters’ accepting their deaths, Disney could take other directions with Hocus Pocus 3. This could be an animated project or perhaps a prequel film. Regardless of what format it takes, Hocus Pocus 3 is happening.
Are you excited about Hocus Pocus 3? What sort of movie would you like it to be? Share your thoughts in the comments.
