ScreenRant
Hocus Pocus 3: Confirmation, Cast & Everything We Know
BY KARA HEDASH, STEPHEN BARKER, AND KATY RATH
July 7, 2023
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Hocus Pocus 2! But Hocus Pocus 3 Is On The Way When It Arrives No One Can Say! Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development, and while Hocus Pocus 3 updates are few and far between, there’s so much speculation surrounding the cast, story, and release date of the threequel. It took 29 years for Disney to release a sequel to 1993’s Hocus Pocus, which stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches known as the Sanderson Sisters. Though not an instant box office hit, Hocus Pocus gained popularity in the decades that followed, thanks to seasonal cable viewing around Halloween. Following the release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, viewers will likely wonder what’s next for the franchise.
In Hocus Pocus 2, Following Hocus Pocus‘ footsteps, a group of Salem residents inadvertently bring back Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson. Winifred finally realizes that she has been putting her role as the most powerful Sanderson Sister above her relationship with her sisters after a spell for ultimate power means sacrificing Mary and Sarah. While Winifred realizes that she would rather reunite with her sisters, it isn’t the end for the coven. In fact, a new witch could be in focus for Hocus Pocus 3 based on how the Disney+ sequel purposely seems to leave open a few storylines to explore. Here are all the Hocus Pocus 3 updates, including information about the cast, story, and release date.
Related: Hocus Pocus 2 End-Credits Scene Explained
Hocus Pocus 3 Recent News
More Hocus Pocus 3 updates have come to light, as actor Sam Richardson recently spoke with TheWrap (via Twitter) about the possibility of his surprise villain character Gilbert appearing in the next movie. During the red carpet premiere of Richardson’s television series The Afterparty season 2, TheWrap asked about his possible reprisal, to which Richardson replied that he had a ton of fun playing Gilbert and would be willing to return. “I certainly hope so, I had such a great time playing Gilbert in Hocus Pocus 2. I’d go and play on that set any day of the week. You just tell me, I’ll be there,” Richardson said.
Other Hocus Pocus 3 updates have come from one of the original Hocus Pocus actors who didn’t return for the 2022 film as Omri Katz wants to Join Hocus Pocus 3. Katz played Max in the original Hocus Pocus, and he even spoke about wanting to be a part of Hocus Pocus 2. When that didn’t happen, the fans were just as upset as he was, and there was a clear Max-shaped hole in the sequel. However, Hocus Pocus 3 could fix that, as Katz is already campaigning to join the Hocus Pocus 3 cast. The actor explained, “I’m excited for the new film!… Yes, I would return if Disney approached me. It would be an honor to return.”
Hocus Pocus 3 Is Confirmed
Just as it seemed as if Hocus Pocus 3 wasn’t going to happen, recent Hocus Pocus 3 updates saw Walt Disney Pictures President San Bailey confirming that Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development. The president simply explained, “Yes, Hocus Pocus 3 is happening.” Bailey didn’t go into any more detail, but it’s more than enough to be excited. While Hocus Pocus 2 received mixed reviews, it was a huge hit on Disney+, as it was the service’s most-viewed movie premiere (via Comicbook.com), so it’s hardly surprising that a sequel has been greenlit. However, while Hocus Pocus 2 was released directly to Disney+, it’s unclear if the threequel will follow suit.
Hocus Pocus 3 Release Date
Unlike Hocus Pocus 2, there won’t be a 29-year wait for the threequel given that it has already been greenlit. However, the Hocus Pocus 3 release date has not been confirmed, and there’s been no Hocus Pocus 3 updates regarding a premiere window. If the time between Hocus Pocus 2’s development and release is anything to go by, Halloween 2025 is a realistic Hocus Pocus 3 release date. Filming for Hocus Pocus 2 began in October 2021, just one year before its release date. With an additional year to cast the movie to develop the script, 2025 is likely.
Hocus Pocus 3 Cast
The Hocus Pocus 3 cast hasn’t been confirmed, but several franchise characters and the Hocus Pocus 2 director are hopeful that they’ll reprise their roles. Director Anne Fletcher explained (via SFX Magazine) that she intentionally “kept it wide open for any sequel.” In other Hocus Pocus 3 updates, Midler, Najimy, and Parker sound supportive of doing Hocus Pocus 3. When speaking on the Hocus Pocus 3 possibility, Midler stated she would sign on but questioned where the story could go. Parker shared a similar sentiment: “Of course, I’d be happy to have a conversation [for a third film]” before indicating that it also depends on what her co-stars want.
Katz revealed that he also wanted to return for the threequel. Hocus Pocus 2 writer Jen D’Angelo wants to see Katz and Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison, join the Hocus Pocus 3 cast (via Variety). The screenwriter explained, “We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other. But I’m hoping in Hocus Pocus 3, we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.” In addition, actor Sam Richardson, who played the villain Gilbert in Hocus Pocus 2, has expressed vehement interest in returning to the franchise (via Twitter).
Related: 8 Characters That Must Return In Hocus Pocus 3 For The Sequel To Be Worthwhile
Hocus Pocus 3 Story
While there aren’t any Hocus Pocus 3 updates regarding the story, it can be easily guessed based on the last film. When Winifred chooses to return to her sisters at the end of Hocus Pocus 2, the special spellbook, referred to as “Book,” finds new ownership in Becca, setting up the Hocus Pocus 3 story. More importantly, Becca, who turns 16 that same Halloween night, finds out that she has the powers of a witch. Her newfound powers could even be the focus of Hocus Pocus 3 as the torch is passed to a new crew in Salem.
Hannah Waddingham’s Hocus Pocus 2 character, The Witch Mother, is also lurking around in her bird form and can be seen as the teenage trio walks home in the movie’s final moments. Of course, the most intriguing Hocus Pocus 3 story setup comes in the end credits scene, which reveals that Gilbert’s magic shop houses a second Black Flame candle, an object needed to bring back the Sanderson Sisters.
