Hocus Pocus 3
Fans of the 1993 comedy Hocus Pocus were thrilled when it was announced the Sanderson sisters would be back for a sequel. And after a wait of nearly 30 years, Hocus Pocus 2 finally landed on Disney+ (not on a broomstick) on September 30th.
If you are a fan of both Hocus Pocus movies, you might be interested in a 3rd instalment. But will there be a Hocus Pocus 3? Or is this one sequel that has been banished from the schedules?
Here’s what we know at the time of writing:
What is Hocus Pocus 2 about?
In 2022, 29 years after the Black Flame Candle resurrected the Sanderson sisters, the three witches are resurrected again when teenagers Becky and Izzy get hold of the candle at a magic shop. After the girls light the devilish candle, they inadvertently cause the sisters to return to Salem. The scene is then set for witches Winifred, Sarah, and Mary to cause their usual brand of havoc while simultaneously trying to get to grips with the modern world.
It’s up to Becca and Izzy to stop the malingering old crones. But do they succeed in their mission? Well, we will reveal no spoilers here in case somebody puts a spell on us. But if you want to know more, check out the movie which is available to anybody with a Disney+ subscription.
Will there be a Hocus Pocus 3?
Hocus Pocus 3 has not yet been confirmed but as the movie has struck a chord with audiences, despite the negative reviews from some critics, there is a chance that the Sanderson sisters will be resurrected again in the future. Whitney Peak, who starred as Becky in the sequel, suggested the possibility of a follow-movie in an interview with EW. When talking about the sequel, she said:
“It’s an open-ended movie. So much could happen next. Both extremes, too. If there is a next movie, we could be our coven, much older, but the Sanderson Sisters could come back, and we’d have to kick their asses again…They can always come back. It would be hard to create a third movie without the Sanderson Sisters, because it’s their movie. They are Hocus Pocus. It’s hard to imagine what a movie would be like without them.”
Admittedly, this isn’t confirmation that a third movie will happen but as Peak says, Hocus Pocus 2 is open-ended so you shouldn’t give up hope if you are hoping to see the Sanderson sisters again. And as it was reported that the movie was Disney+’s most-viewed film premiere in the US, the chances of another sequel do seem likely.
When could Hocus Pocus 3 be released?
As Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy aren’t getting any younger (unless they really do have magic powers), another 30-year wait would be unlikely. We imagine a released date of September/October 2023 or 2024 could be a possibility if Disney decided to resurrect the witches one last time.
Who could be in Hocus Pocus 3?
The young actresses who played Becky and Izzy (Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo) could return if the movie is set in the not-too-distant future but their return would be dependent on the return of the movie’s biggest stars – Midler, Parker, and Najimy. The three actresses talked about the possibility in an interview with EW, but of the three, Kathy Najimy did seem a little doubtful that the movie would even happen.
Najimy said:
“I feel like we’re done. We’ve pulled every story you could pull out of this. I guess, never say never, but I feel grateful that we got to do it again. I don’t know that there are plans for a third one, but I know fans are dedicated to this film. I’m just happy we can bring this to them.”
Midler was a little more optimistic. She said:
“I’d love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing. 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.”
Parker seemed hopeful too. The actress said:
“Of course I’d be happy to have a conversation, it just depends on what Kathy and Bette want!”
As for the other cast members, it’s likely that Tony Hale would return as the town mayor if the movie is set in the not-too-distant future, but it is unlikely that Doug Jones would return as Billy Butcher as the character seemingly returned to the afterlife at the conclusion of the second Hocus Pocus movie.
What could Hocus Pocus 3 be about?
The movie would see the return of the Sanderson sisters – it would be rather pointless if it didn’t – and quite possibly, the return of Becky and Izzy too. The witches would likely be resurrected by the lighting of the second Black Flame candle that was revealed in the post-credits scene of Hocus Pocus 2 but as for what would happen next, it’s hard to say for sure.
But what do you think should happen in the threequel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If any further information on Hocus Pocus 3 is released, we will update this page accordingly.
Would you like to see Hocus Pocus 3? What do you think should happen in the sequel? What did you think of the first sequel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
If after Hocus Pocus 2, there will a Hocus Pocus 3, I hope there were also the return of Omri Katz: Max Dennison, Thora Birch: Dani Dennison, Vinessa Shaw: Allison, Larry Bagby: Ernie Ice, Tobias Jelinek: Jay; and the music from the movie released in 1993 : I put a spell on you.
Excellent response, thanks for your suggestions Garry!
What could happen in Hocus Pocus 3 ….?
Well, since the Sanderson sisters have been back twice so far, and have seen for themselves what Salem is like during Halloween (people revering them), perhaps the third (and I must emphasize) FINAL installment. Let’s face it, movies beyond the third seldom hold up since it just feels overdone. The average movie-goer starts to have negative thoughts about the “franchise” and has the feeling that a once loved movie is just being “milked to death” by greedy studios. But, I digress.
The third movie could have them resurrected and go about their normal wanting to live beyond just one night by having an old acquaintance show up in the form of “Mother Witch” (Hannah Waddingham) who has grown even stronger herself in the last 300 years, and is hell bent on not just having Salem, but the WORLD under her power. The Sanderson sisters have grown now to enjoy Salem on All Hallows’ Eve (even though they still want children to live forever), so they decide to challenge “Mother Witch” for control of Salem and lose dramatically.
She devastates and humiliates the Sanderson sisters in a very brief battle (perhaps a stage battle of song and/or dance and magic) stealing away what pride and powerful magic that they have leaving them with little magic left.
Becca, Izzy, and Cassie return (along with Gilbert). Still as a young coven of witches, they can do little to help and protect the townsfolk. They must join forces with Winifred, Mary, and Sarah. Together they call upon others who have had to fight dark magic before, so who should return and show up as well to help ….? Max, Dani and Allison!!
Using the book, they call upon their old enchanted friends to help once more as well by resurrecting Billy and Thackery Binx (although Becca resurrects him in cat-form by mistake) This should make for some fun quips between Winifred, Binx, and Billy through-out the movie. As well as a heartwarming reunion between Dani and Binx.
I guess Disney should take it from here. After all, it’s their baby. That’s just my suggestion for a beginning.
If one were to ask me for more ….? Perhaps the story could evolve around “Mother Witch” [man, we really need a NAME for her] seeking ancient texts by the powerful warlock “Abramelin the Mage” (maybe even looking to resurrect him as well) to control the world by commanding the powers of good AND evil spirits. A fun night of scares, thrills, song and adventure running all over Salem trying to thwart “MW” ensues. The assistance by a strange old man is crucial to our protagonists defeating “MW”.
In the end, before the Sanderson sisters disappear (this time definitively FOREVER) they are given the chance of a single reprieve by the mysterious man that we find out IS the warlock “Abramelin the Mage” going simply by Abe, Salem’s ancient librarian and historian. But he says he has gone by many names including Merlin and Nicolas Flamel.
If Winifred and her sisters wish to remain alive in this new world they will forfeit their magic (and eating children) to live amongst the Salem inhabitants as one of them once more. Having grown close(er) to their once enemies, Winifred, Mary and Sarah agree. Abe, through his ancient powerful knowledge of wizardry and alchemy, strips them of their magic and makes them mortal once more. Cut to the following Halloween and we find them running “Ye Olde Apothecary” shop where they still use their knowledge of witchcraft to brew homeopathic and organic potions, salves, teas, herbs and such (alongside souvenirs, postcards and candies.) to create all-natural cures for ailments.
I’ll once more bounce it to Disney to decide how to handle Binx and Billy. Either have them pass on permanently this time, or perhaps live on thanks to Abe. Binx may want to return to his sister Emily on the other side. Billy on the other hand may want to live once more to make up for his life being cut short.
Your call on all of this, Disney, if you haven’t had time to sit down and think it over yet. Just remember, though …Bette, Sarah, and Kathy aren’t getting any younger!! If you’re going to make a third (final) Hocus Pocus, do it soon!
I think I may have given you a good start though.
LOL
Like Disney would ever read this. LOL
Happy Halloween 2022, everybody!!