Hocus Pocus Writer Says Sequel May Be a TV Movie

Screen Write
Hocus Pocus Writer Says Sequel May Be a TV Movie
By Rose Moore 14 hours ago

A Hocus Pocus sequel may be in the works as a TV movie, according to screenwriter Mick Garris. The original film was first released in 1993, becoming a moderate success as a fun Halloween flick – but has since become a cult classic. The story of three witches brought back from the dead by a teen and his friends has only increased in popularity, with annual screenings in October in several theaters, events at Disney resorts, and even a full-length book about the film (released last year).

Unsurprisingly, the massive popularity of the film has led to plenty of speculation about a possible sequel. Between 2014 and 2016, Tina Fey was rumored to be working on a project related to Hocus Pocus, and last year she said that it was not a remake of the film, but a sequel. Doug Jones, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker have all been asked about the film as well – with generally enthusiastic, but non-committal, responses. Now, Garris has revealed that a sequel may go straight to the small screen.

The screenwriter of the original movie spoke about the possibility of a sequel in an interview with Forbes. While Garris admitted that he is not involved with the project, he has heard that a sequel is on the way:

There have been rumors of a Hocus Pocus sequel for the last 10 years that will not die. I have heard they are developing the script, I haven’t been involved in it but I think there will be a sequel it might be for Disney Channel or Freeform or ABC. I think it will be for television but I hear that it is moving ahead.

Garris added that the actors who played the Sanderson Sisters in the original Hocus Pocus may yet return for the followup:

I think they are [bringing back the original cast]. If they don’t do that I think it would be a big mistake because all three of them are still so incredibly potent and powerful and great performers and who else can recreate those characters?

The original Sanderson Sisters were, of course, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – and while it would be easy to bring the franchise back to life without the original teen characters, the Sanderson Sisters are the heart and soul of the film. Of course, it may be difficult to create a direct sequel, seeing as the three were turned to dust at the end of the original, but there are plenty of creative ways around that!

While a Hocus Pocus sequel has been long-desired by fans of the movie, a TV movie revival would be an interesting choice for Disney to make. There is little doubt that a Halloween release of a sequel on the big screen would do well at the box office, but the decision to go smaller could mean that the follow-up would have the ability to be much longer than a feature film.

Of course, this is far from an official announcement, and Garris himself confirms that he is not involved in the project. This may simply be another rumor to add to the Hocus Pocus pile, but if it were confirmed, this would be the perfect Halloween treat for fans.