The potential for a third 'Hocus Pocus' film is generating excitement among fans, as actress Sarah Jessica Parker confirms ongoing dialogue regarding the project. This development follows previous calls from co-star Bette Midler for Disney to expedite the scriptwriting process. The enduring popularity of the Sanderson sisters, portrayed by Parker, Midler, and Kathy Najimy, has fueled anticipation for another magical adventure. The successful 2022 sequel demonstrated significant audience engagement, setting a high bar for any future continuation of the spooky saga.
\nOn a recent appearance on \"Watch What Happens Live!,\" the esteemed actress Sarah Jessica Parker shed light on the future of the beloved 'Hocus Pocus' franchise. Responding to inquiries about a third film, which Disney announced was in preliminary development two years prior, Parker confirmed that while no substantial progress has been made, \"conversations\" are indeed taking place. This update emerges after Bette Midler, a fellow star of the series, publicly urged Disney in the previous year to accelerate the script's completion, humorously noting the passage of time for the trio of lead actresses. Midler's sentiment was clear: the time is ripe for the next chapter.
\nThe original 1993 cinematic release, 'Hocus Pocus,' saw Parker, Midler, and Kathy Najimy embody the unforgettable Sanderson sisters, a trio of enchanting witches who are dramatically brought back to life on Halloween night, only to embark on a quest to secure their eternal presence in the mortal realm. All three iconic performers reprised their roles for the highly anticipated 2022 sequel, 'Hocus Pocus 2.'
\nScreenwriter Jen D'Angelo, responsible for 'Hocus Pocus 2,' provided further confirmation to Entertainment Weekly in 2023, post-WGA strike, that 'Hocus Pocus 3' remains an active project. D'Angelo elaborated, stating, \"We're still in the story phase, we're still working on it. We've been working on some ideas. It's been fun to dive back into that world and we have so many directions in which to go and so many new characters to explore. We've only scratched the surface of Hannah Waddingham's mother witch.\" D'Angelo expressed optimism for exploring various narrative avenues and continuing the enchanting stories.
\n'Hocus Pocus 2' itself was a resounding triumph, shattering records on the Nielsen Top 10 streaming charts upon its debut, amassing an impressive 2.7 billion minutes viewed during its opening weekend. This made it, at the time of its release, Disney+'s most-watched original film over a three-day period. Anne Fletcher, who expertly directed the second installment, is also slated to return to helm the prospective third film, promising a consistent creative vision for the future.
\nThe continued interest and collaborative spirit among the original cast and creative team suggest a strong commitment to delivering a worthy continuation of the Hocus Pocus legacy. While the timeline for a new film remains undefined, the ongoing dialogue is a positive sign for fans eagerly awaiting more witchy adventures.
\nFrom a fan's perspective, the news that Sarah Jessica Parker is still actively involved in discussions for 'Hocus Pocus 3' is nothing short of magical. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these characters and the unique bond shared by the original cast. In an era dominated by reboots and revivals, 'Hocus Pocus' stands out as a franchise with genuine nostalgic charm and a loyal following. The anticipation for another installment highlights the power of beloved stories to transcend generations. It also underscores the importance of original cast involvement, as their chemistry is undeniably a cornerstone of the films' success. Let's hope Disney listens to the fans and the Sanderson sisters, and brings this highly anticipated sequel to life soon!