Nearly three decades after its original release in 1993, Sanderson Sisters, who gave us such a delightful fright in “Hocus Pocus,” are finally coming back. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are set to reprise their roles as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, respectively, in the now confirmed “Hocus Pocus 2,” which is slated for a 2022 release.
In the first film, three friends accidentally resurrect the trio of wicked witches in modern-day Salem, Massechuesstus. and work together, with the help of an old human soul bonded to a cat, to stop them from feasting on the souls of children. But that was way back in 1993. No word yet on plot of the sequel, but if it is set in modern-day Salem again, you can expect to see the Sanderson Sisters try to understand the complexities of social media.
While the original three sisters are back, the one person who won’t be returning is Adam Shankman, who was tapped to direct the sequel. But that isn’t due to any creative conflicts, but rather, a scheduling one since Shankman is busy filming “Disenchanted,” the sequel to 2007’s “Enchanted.”
“As heartbroken as I am that I won’t be able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jessica and Kathy in what is sure to be nothing short of a major event for Disney+ due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more pleased to be handing over the reins to Anne, who has brought so much laughter and joy into people’s lives with her previous work,” says executive producer Adam Shankman. “I am still grateful and proud to help shepherd this ingenious project as executive producer alongside producer Lynn Harris, whom I have loved and admired as a colleague and friend since she helped get me the job choreographing ‘Boogie Nights.'”
“Now more than ever, people need to laugh. We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film,” says director Anne Fletcher. “I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special. This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sistaaaahs! It’s been 300 years… But we’re BACK! 🧹 #HocusPocus2 arrives Fall 2022 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/OFMTlfjCDq
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) May 20, 2021
“Hocus Pocus 2” will premiere exclusively on Disney+ in 2022
