Hocus pocus 3 moves forward with original sanderson sisters returning

Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in early development at Disney, with original stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy expected to reprise their iconic roles as the Sanderson sisters.

The new installment continues the beloved Halloween franchise that began with the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus, which followed three 17th-century witches resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts. The story became a seasonal favourite and later expanded with Hocus Pocus 2, released on Disney+.

According to early reports, Hocus Pocus 3 may include a theatrical release component, marking a potential shift from the streaming-first approach used for the previous sequel. However, Disney has not officially confirmed distribution plans as the project remains in the development stage.

Plot details are currently being kept under wraps, though sources indicate that discussions around returning cast deals have been resolved after earlier delays related to negotiations.

The franchise has remained popular for decades, with fans consistently calling for the return of the original cast. Interest intensified after Hocus Pocus 2 reunited the Sanderson sisters nearly 30 years after their debut, introducing a new generation to the story while maintaining its nostalgic appeal.

Directed originally by Kenny Ortega, the first film became a Halloween staple, blending fantasy, comedy, and family adventure. The sequel, directed by Anne Fletcher, continued the legacy with a new cast of characters alongside the returning witches.

With development now moving forward, Hocus Pocus 3 is positioned as a major continuation of one of Disney’s most enduring seasonal franchises.