Is a Third ‘Hocus Pocus’ Spell Brewing? Sarah Jessica Parker Hints at Sanderson Sisters’ Return
Excitement is stirring among fans of the 1993 Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus, as recent comments from Sarah Jessica Parker suggest a third installment may be in development. Could the Sanderson sisters be poised to return to Salem once more? Here’s everything we know about the potential for Hocus Pocus 3.
The enduring popularity of the original film and its 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, has fueled speculation about the future of the franchise. But will the mischievous trio of Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson cast their spell on audiences again, or is this just a fleeting rumor?
The Legacy of ‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)
Hocus Pocus, released in 1993, quickly became a Halloween staple. The film centers around the Sanderson sisters – Winifred, Sarah, and Mary – three witches from 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, who are accidentally resurrected by a teenage boy, Max Dennison, on Halloween night. Before their initial execution, the sisters cursed the town, and their return unleashes chaos as they attempt to regain their youth by stealing the life force of children.
Max, aided by his sister Dani, friend Allison, and a talking black cat named Thackery Binx (a former human cursed by the witches), races against time to stop the Sanderson sisters before sunrise. The film blends comedy, fantasy, and a touch of spooky thrills, creating a beloved family-friendly adventure.
‘Hocus Pocus 2’ (2022): A New Generation
Nearly three decades after the original, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) brought the Sanderson sisters back to life, this time resurrected by teenage Becca on her sixteenth birthday. The sequel mirrored the original’s plot, with Becca and her friends attempting to thwart the witches’ plans.
The film’s climax saw a poignant sacrifice from Winifred, who seemingly destroyed her sisters to save Becca and her friends. However, a post-credit scene teased the possibility of the Sanderson sisters’ continued existence, hinting at another Black Flame Candle and the potential for their return. The sequel also introduced a new coven forming, suggesting a continuation of magical traditions in Salem.
Meet the Cast of ‘Hocus Pocus’
| Character | Actor | Appeared In | Status | Role/Relationship |
| Winifred Sanderson | Bette Midler | 1993, 2022 | Returned in 2 and expected to return in 3 (not confirmed) | Leader of the Sanderson sisters, the main witch antagonist |
| Sarah Sanderson | Sarah Jessica Parker | 1993, 2022 | Returned in 2 and expected to return in 3 (not confirmed) | Flirtatious, whimsical sister; part of the Sanderson trio |
| Mary Sanderson | Kathy Najimy | 1993, 2022 | Returned in 2 and expected to return in 3 (not confirmed) | Silly, loyal sister, and part of the Sanderson trio |
| Max Dennison | Omri Katz | 1993 | Original teen and return in 3 unconfirmed | Protagonist teen in 1993, Dani’s older brother |
| Dani Dennison | Thora Birch | 1993 | Original teen and return in 3 unconfirmed | Max’s younger sister, who helps to stop the witches |
| Allison | Vinessa Shaw | 1993 | Original teen and return in 3 unconfirmed | Max’s friend, who joins the fight against the witches |
| Thackery Binx (voice) | Jason Marsden | 1993 | Return in 3 unconfirmed | Cursed black cat who helps the kids; former human |
| Becca | Whitney Peak | 2022 | New character in 2, the return in 3 is unconfirmed | A teenager who accidentally resurrects the Sanderson sisters |
| Izzy | Belissa Escobedo | 2022 | New character in 2, the return in 3 is unconfirmed | Friend of Becca forming new coven in sequel |
| Cassie | Lilia Buckingham | 2022 | New character in 2, the return in 3 is unconfirmed | Estranged friend joins Becca and Izzy to stop the witches |
| Gilbert | Tony Hale | 2022 | Magic shop owner, the return in 3 is unconfirmed | The owner of Salem’s magic shop, who assists the teens |
‘Hocus Pocus 3’: What We Know So Far
The possibility of a third Hocus Pocus film gained momentum in October 2025 when Sarah Jessica Parker revealed in an interview that discussions regarding the project were underway. While no official announcement has been made, the prospect of the Sanderson sisters returning has ignited excitement among fans.
Film analysts predict a potential release window of late 2026 or 2027, though this remains speculative. Casting details are currently unconfirmed, but it’s widely anticipated that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy would reprise their iconic roles.
Jen D’Angelo, the screenwriter of Hocus Pocus 2, is reportedly developing the story for the third installment. She has also expressed enthusiasm about potentially bringing back Hannah Waddingham’s character, the Witch Mother, who was introduced in the second film. Could we see a deeper exploration of the Sanderson sisters’ origins and a more complex magical world?
What kind of challenges would a new generation of teens face against the Sanderson sisters? And how might the evolving magical landscape of Salem play a role in the story?
Behind the Magic: The ‘Hocus Pocus’ Team
| Film | Director | Screenwriter / Writer | Producer(s) | Notes |
| Hocus Pocus (1993) | Kenny Ortega | Mick Garris, Neil Cuthbert (story), David Kirschner (screenplay) | David Kirschner | Classic original, family-friendly spooky comedy |
| Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) | Anne Fletcher | Jen D’Angelo | Lynn Harris, David Kirschner | Disney+ sequel continues the Sanderson sisters’ story with new teens |
| Hocus Pocus 3 (TBA) | Not yet announced | Jen D’Angelo (working on story) | Not officially announced | Early development, cast & release date not confirmed |
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Hocus Pocus 3’
Is ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ officially confirmed?
As of November 2025, Hocus Pocus 3 is not officially confirmed, but discussions are reportedly underway, as indicated by Sarah Jessica Parker.
When might ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ be released?
Current estimates suggest a potential release in late 2026 or 2027, but this is subject to change depending on production timelines.
Will the original cast return for ‘Hocus Pocus 3’?
While not confirmed, there is strong expectation that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will reprise their roles as the Sanderson sisters.
Who is writing the script for ‘Hocus Pocus 3’?
Jen D’Angelo, who penned the screenplay for Hocus Pocus 2, is currently developing the story for the third installment.
Could Hannah Waddingham return in ‘Hocus Pocus 3’?
Jen D’Angelo has expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of bringing back Hannah Waddingham’s character, the Witch Mother, from Hocus Pocus 2.
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