It seems the Sanderson Sisters aren’t done bewitching us yet! After the runaway success of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, the magical chaos is set to continue — because Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development. Fans of the cult Halloween classic have been eagerly waiting for news, and while details remain under wraps, the cauldron is definitely bubbling with excitement.

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A Quick Recap: How We Got Here

The original Hocus Pocus (1993) — starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the delightfully wicked Sanderson Sisters — became a beloved Halloween staple over the decades. Despite its lukewarm box office debut, the film gained massive popularity through TV reruns and streaming, earning its status as a cult classic.

Almost thirty years later, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) flew onto Disney+, reuniting the trio once again. The sequel introduced a new generation of Salem teens who accidentally resurrect the witches — with a mix of nostalgic callbacks, new spells, and plenty of laughs. It became one of Disney+’s biggest streaming hits, sparking immediate talks of a third installment.

In June 2023, Walt Disney Studios President Sean Bailey officially confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 is in development. The news delighted fans who had been hoping that Hocus Pocus 2 wouldn’t be the witches’ final flight.

Returning to helm the new film is director Anne Fletcher, who also directed the second installment, and screenwriter Jen D’Angelo, ensuring the same creative energy carries forward.

What’s the Story This Time?

While no plot details have been officially revealed, fans are already speculating about where the story could go next. Hocus Pocus 2 ended with a hint that the Sanderson magic might not be gone for good — especially after that mid-credits tease showing another “Black Flame Candle” waiting to be lit.

According to GamesRadar, Bette Midler recently shared that she’s read parts of the new script and found “a lot of it brilliant.” That’s a good sign for fans who worried the third film might lose the charm and humor that made the originals so beloved.

Will the Original Cast Return?

That’s the biggest question haunting fans right now.
While Midler, Parker, and Najimy have all expressed interest in returning if the story is right, no official cast announcements have been made.

Sarah Jessica Parker told Entertainment Weekly earlier this year that she’d “love to play” Winifred’s flirtatious sister Sarah again, but that “the decision is in Disney’s hands.”

There’s also talk that Hocus Pocus 3 may blend new characters with the returning cast — possibly giving the witches a fresh connection to modern-day Salem or even exploring their lives before 1693 in more detail.

When Could It Be Released?

As of now, there’s no confirmed release date. Since the project is still in early development, filming likely hasn’t begun. Realistically, fans might expect Hocus Pocus 3 to premiere sometime in 2026, depending on production schedules and Disney’s lineup of upcoming projects.

Still, given Disney’s love for Halloween content, it’s safe to bet they’ll want to time its release around spooky season.

Part of what makes Hocus Pocus so magical is its mix of humor, camp, nostalgia, and heart. Fans have grown up quoting lines like “I smell children!” and rewatching it every October. With Hocus Pocus 3, there’s hope that Disney will capture that same magic — while giving us a few new tricks (and treats) along the way.

If the creative team can balance fan nostalgia with a fun, fresh story, this could become another Halloween hit.

The Sanderson Sisters have been resurrected twice already — and it seems nothing can keep them in the grave for long! With Hocus Pocus 3 officially brewing, fans can once again look forward to mischief, magic, and mayhem in Salem.

So light your black flame candle, grab your broomstick, and stay tuned — the witches are coming back for one more spellbinding ride.