It’s time to run amok—again. After months of “will-they, won’t-they” speculation, Disney has officially greenlit ‘Hocus Pocus 3’, with the original trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy confirmed to reprise their roles as the Sanderson Sisters.
The news, first reported by Deadline on May 7, 2026, breathes new life into a project that had faced a period of “development hell” following leadership changes at Walt Disney Studios.
From Uncertainty to Brilliant Scripts
While the third film was initially teased in 2023, the departure of Disney executive Sean Bailey in 2024 left the project without a clear path forward. However, the tide turned in late 2025 when Bette Midler offered a glowing update during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.
“They sent a script. And a lot of it was brilliant,” Midler told Cohen. “I got very excited. Now we’re trying to figure out the logistics—where it’s going to be and how much it’s going to cost.”
With the “logistical things” now largely settled, the film has moved into early pre-production.
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What to Expect from the Three-quel
While the plot is currently being kept under a shroud of secrecy (likely locked in Winifred’s manual, Booo-ook), the return of the original cast signals a direct continuation of the lore established in the 1993 cult classic and the 2022 record-breaking sequel.
Director Rumors: While Kenny Ortega helmed the original, fans are waiting to see if Hocus Pocus 2 director Anne Fletcher will return to lead the third act.
Legacy Cast: Speculation is reaching a fever pitch regarding whether original stars Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), and Vinessa Shaw (Allison) will finally make their long-awaited return to Salem.
The Vibe: Sources close to the production suggest the film will lean back into the darker, “spooky-fun” aesthetic of the 90s original while utilizing the modern visual effects that made the second film a Disney+ powerhouse.
A Cultural Mainstay
The Hocus Pocus franchise has transitioned from a 1993 box-office underdog into a multi-generational lifestyle brand. From annual Halloween marathons to high-end home decor and fashion collaborations, the Sanderson Sisters have become the unofficial faces of the spooky season.
With production likely to begin late this year, Disney is reportedly eyeing a Fall 2027 release—just in time for the 34th anniversary of the original film.