The Spellbinding Truth: 7 Shocking Updates On Hocus Pocus 3, The Sanderson Sisters’ Next Chapter
The wait for the third installment of the beloved Halloween franchise is officially on, and as of late 2025, the cauldron is certainly stirring with fresh, exciting updates. Following the massive success of the 2022 sequel, *Hocus Pocus 3* is confirmed to be in development at Disney, promising a new chapter for the infamous Sanderson Sisters and the new generation of witches in Salem. The most current and compelling news points toward a return of the original magic, a "brilliant" script, and a creative team that understands the heart of the franchise.
The journey to *Hocus Pocus 3* has been a long one, with the original 1993 film becoming a cult classic before the sequel arrived nearly three decades later. Now, with the franchise back in the cultural zeitgeist, fans are desperate for details on when Winifred, Mary, and Sarah will fly again. While a release date remains elusive, the confirmed return of the core cast and creative minds suggests that the third film is moving forward, ready to deliver another dose of spooky, comedic mayhem to Disney+ subscribers.
The Immortal Trio: Bette Midler’s “Brilliant” Script Update
The biggest question mark hanging over any *Hocus Pocus* sequel is the return of the original, iconic Sanderson Sisters. Thankfully, the latest news confirms that the three legendary actresses are set to reprise their roles, cementing the third film as a true continuation of the saga. The magic simply wouldn't be the same without them.
- Winifred Sanderson (Bette Midler): The eldest and most formidable sister, Bette Midler has been the most vocal about the sequel's development. Midler recently gave a major update by confirming that the script for *Hocus Pocus 3* is complete and, in her words, "brilliant." This high praise from the star suggests the story will live up to the franchise's legacy.
- Sarah Sanderson (Sarah Jessica Parker): Known for her siren-like voice and ditzy demeanor, Sarah Jessica Parker has also expressed her enthusiasm for returning. Her involvement is considered a certainty, ensuring the trio's signature dynamic remains intact.
- Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy): The middle sister, famous for her signature crooked smile and sniffing out children, Kathy Najimy has also indicated her willingness to come back. The chemistry between Midler, Parker, and Najimy is the foundation of the entire franchise, and their collective return is the most important element for the sequel's success.
While the Sanderson Sisters turned to dust at the end of *Hocus Pocus 2*, the film laid the groundwork for their next resurrection. The final moments of the sequel showed the creation of a third, potentially more powerful Black Flame Candle, suggesting that the witches' connection to Salem is far from severed. Their return will likely be the central event that kicks off the new adventure.
The Creative Coven: Director and Writer Confirmed for Hocus Pocus 3
A major and very recent development in the production of *Hocus Pocus 3* is the confirmation of the creative team, ensuring a consistent tone and style with the successful second film. Disney is bringing back the key players who resurrected the franchise in 2022.
Anne Fletcher is set to return as the director. Fletcher, who helmed *Hocus Pocus 2*, is known for her work on popular comedies and family films like *27 Dresses* and *The Proposal*. Her return suggests that the third film will maintain the blend of horror-comedy and musical numbers that fans have come to expect.
Jen D'Angelo will also return as the writer. D'Angelo penned the script for *Hocus Pocus 2*, introducing the new generation of characters and successfully weaving the original sisters back into the modern world. Her continued involvement is a strong sign that the script Bette Midler praised is in capable hands, focusing on a story that honors the past while forging a new path for the future of the Salem witches.
The New Generation of Salem Witches: Becca, Izzy, and Cassie
One of the most compelling aspects of *Hocus Pocus 2* was the introduction of a new trio of high school students who accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters. The ending of the second film strongly hinted that one of the new characters, Becca, was developing her own magical powers, setting up a potential new coven to take on the original witches.
- Becca (Whitney Peak): Becca is the central figure of the new trio. The sequel revealed that she is a natural witch, inheriting powers that manifest on her 16th birthday. Actress Whitney Peak has expressed her excitement and willingness to return for the third film, stating she is "down" to continue Becca’s journey. Her character’s growth from a skeptic to a fledgling witch will likely be a major plot point, potentially pitting her against a resurrected Winifred Sanderson.
- Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham): Becca’s best friends, Izzy and Cassie, were instrumental in defeating the Sanderson Sisters in the previous film. While Becca is the only one confirmed to have powers, their roles as the support system for Salem's new coven are crucial. Their return is highly anticipated, continuing the theme of friendship and sisterhood that the franchise explores.
The potential story arc for *Hocus Pocus 3* could revolve around a battle between the old-world magic of the Sanderson Sisters and the newly emerging, modern magic of Becca and her friends. This generational witch-off would provide a fresh, dynamic conflict for the sequel.
Potential Cameos and Returning Fan-Favorite Characters
Beyond the core witches, the *Hocus Pocus* franchise is rich with memorable supporting characters. The latest rumors and actor comments point to a few exciting possibilities for *Hocus Pocus 3* that would thrill long-time fans.
Thora Birch as Dani Dennison: Perhaps the most requested return is Dani Dennison, the young girl from the original film played by Thora Birch. While Birch was unable to appear in *Hocus Pocus 2* due to scheduling conflicts, she has publicly stated that she is "super open" to reprising her role in *Hocus Pocus 3*. A popular fan theory suggests that Dani, now an adult, could be brought back to help the new trio fight the sisters, connecting all three films seamlessly.
Hannah Waddingham as Mother Witch: The character of the enigmatic "Mother Witch," who gave the young Sanderson Sisters the *Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy* in the second film’s flashback, is another exciting possibility. Played by the Emmy-winning actress Hannah Waddingham, her return could delve deeper into the origins of the Sanderson Sisters' powers and the lore of the Black Flame Candle.
Other Possible Returns:
- Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones): The beloved zombie ex-boyfriend of Winifred, Billy Butcherson, had a significant role in *Hocus Pocus 2*. While his character found peace, the magical nature of the franchise means a return is always possible, perhaps in a flashback or as a spectral guide.
- Max Dennison and Allison Watts: The original teens who defeated the sisters in 1993, played by Omri Katz and Vinessa Shaw, have not officially commented on *Hocus Pocus 3*, but their appearance alongside Dani would be the ultimate fan service moment.
- Tony Hale (Mayor Traske): The mayor of Salem, who is also Cassie's father, could return to deal with the inevitable supernatural chaos that follows the Sanderson Sisters' arrival.
Plot Speculation: What the "Brilliant" Script Might Unveil
With the script confirmed as complete and the core creative team returning, the focus shifts entirely to the plot. While official details are under wraps, the ending of *Hocus Pocus 2* provided a clear direction for the third film.
The most likely plot centers on the Third Black Flame Candle. The second film concluded with a shot of the mysterious Mother Witch, who had an identical candle to the one that resurrected the sisters. This suggests the existence of a third, or perhaps an infinite supply, ensuring the Sanderson Sisters’ continuous threat to Salem. The plot could involve the new trio—Becca, Izzy, and Cassie—actively trying to find and destroy this third candle before the sisters can be summoned again.
Another major theme is the Rise of Becca's Powers. *Hocus Pocus 3* will almost certainly explore Becca's journey as a powerful, modern witch. She may have to learn to control her magic quickly to protect her friends and the town. This could involve a mentorship role, possibly from an adult Dani Dennison or even the Mother Witch, creating a new magical conflict.
Finally, the film is expected to explore the Sanderson Sisters' Past and Future. The second film gave us a glimpse into their origins. The third could further flesh out their backstory, perhaps even showing their initial banishment or a deeper connection to the Mother Witch. Midler’s description of the script as "brilliant" suggests a story that is both surprising and deeply satisfying, promising a definitive, and perhaps final, confrontation with the iconic trio. The highly anticipated sequel is poised to be the biggest Halloween event on Disney+ when it finally arrives.
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