Amok, amok, amok!
Um, Did Bette Midler Just Tease A 'Hocus Pocus 3' Announcement?
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Grab your broomsticks, people, because Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in the works. We got the announcement that the witchy sequel was in development in 2023, but now Bette Midler has everyone wondering if we're getting a more official look at the movie soon.
Like every good Halloween-obsessed millennial, I’m addicted to all things Sanderson Sisters. I grew up watching all the classic family-friendly Halloween films, and there are so many colorful flicks from this genre to choose from. But none of them compare to the top-tier status that is Hocus Pocus. I mean, come on, people. Kathy Najimy? Sarah Jessica Parker?? Bette Midler??? These three icons have some of the best comedic timing and on-screen presence that I’ve ever seen in a Halloween movie. And a part of what makes this film so terribly fun is the fact that you can tell how much of a blast the actors are having while shooting the film. Everyone simply gives their all to this movie, from the leading ladies to the extras in the background. Perhaps that’s why Hocus Pocus has stood the test of time all these years later.
Everything from the chilly Salem setting to the cozy color palette, as well as the bursts of humor throughout, makes this film feel different. It’s almost as if the very spirit of Halloween simply wouldn’t be the same without an annual October viewing of Hocus Pocus. Heck, I can’t recall a single Halloween rolling around in the past handful of years without my friends and me gathering on the sofa while carving pumpkins, with this film playing in the background. It goes without saying that Hocus Pocus is now a staple in Autumn culture.
With that in mind, I’m thrilled by the announcement of a third installment to the Hocus Pocus franchise. While I’m usually one to roll my eyes at the prospect of sequel films (and third installments for that matter) since they’re usually unnecessary, Hocus Pocus is one of the few exceptions for me. Heck, I’ll take 20 more of these movies if the opportunity presents itself.
So what did Bette Midler have to say about it all? Let's take a look.
Scroll to find out everything we know about Hocus Pocus 3...
Will there be a 'Hocus Pocus 3'?
Yes! Sean Bailey (President of Walt Disney Pictures) confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 was in development in a 2023 New York Times article.
By 2024, Bette Midler noted to Entertainment Weekly that she hadn't read a script yet, though she had heard "rumblings" of another movie.
Then, Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed on Watch What Happens Live! that "conversations" were happening about the film, but explained that "no more developments" were underway at that time.
What did Bette Midler post about 'Hocus Pocus 3'?
Not only did Bette Midler post a photo of the black flame candle on October 2, 2025, but she also shared a video of herself alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters...potentially on set? Naturally, fans are freaking out in the comments. One fan wrote, "If this isn’t leading to a “Hocus Pocus 3” announcement I’m going to run AMOK!" I think it's safe to say, we agree!
What will 'Hocus Pocus 3' be about?
Details are still under wraps about development, but we'd like to guess the third installment would bring us back around to some of our OG favorite characters. Could Thackery Binx come back to stop the Sanderson Sisters once and for all? Could Dani follow in her mother's footsteps and dress up as Madonna for Halloween? Could a virgin really light the candle yet again? Only time (and Disney) will tell!
Who's in the 'Hocus Pocus 3' cast?
Again, with nothing confirmed we only have speculations about the Hocus Pocus 3 cast!
We'd like to assume that the original Sanderson Sisters — Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy — would return, especially given some of their recent comments. We're also keeping our fingers crossed that Omri Katz will return as Max, Thora Birch will return as Dani, and Vinessa Shaw will return as Allison. Oh, and can't forget about Jason Marsden as Thackery Binx!
When will 'Hocus Pocus 3' come out?
Don’t get too excited just yet, though — the unfortunate truth is that we’re going to have to be patient when it comes to the release of the third Hocus Pocus movie. Like I said before, when Sarah Jessica Parker made her recent guest star appearance Watch What Happens Live!, she said they’re simply still in the talking stages of planning it all out. So while the And Just Like That actress says she and her castmates “would like to do it,” nothing is set in stone just yet. Still, the fact that SJP and the rest of the lead cast members are on board feels like a broom ride in the right direction.
And with Bette's latest post? We have to wonder if an announcement is coming sooner rather than later!
What are your thoughts on a third Hocus Pocus movie? Are you ready for more Sanderson fun in Salem? Or do you think it’s time for them to hang up their (witch) hats?
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