Hocus Pocus 3 CONFIRMED: 7 Bewitching New Details About The Sanderson Sisters' Return
The Sanderson Sisters are officially returning to run amok, amok, amok! As of late 2025, the highly anticipated third installment in the beloved Halloween franchise, Hocus Pocus 3, has been greenlit and is actively in development at Disney. Fans of Winifred, Mary, and Sarah can breathe a sigh of relief, as the witchy trio—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—are all expected to reprise their iconic roles, pending scheduling and logistical finalization. This article dives deep into the latest news, the fascinating history of the cult classic, and the incredible careers of the three actresses who brought the Salem witches to life.
The enduring popularity of the original 1993 film, combined with the record-breaking success of the 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, made a third chapter inevitable. The focus now shifts to the script, which Bette Midler has reportedly described as "brilliant," fueling massive speculation about how the witches will once again be resurrected, and what new chapter of Salem lore they will unleash on a modern world.
The Immortal Trio: A Biography of the Sanderson Sisters Actresses
The magic of Hocus Pocus lies entirely in the chemistry and comedic genius of the three lead actresses. Before they became the most famous witches in cinematic history, each had already established an illustrious career. Here is a brief profile of the women behind Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson.
Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson)
- Birth Name: Bette Davis Midler
- Born: December 1, 1945, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
- Key Roles (Non-Hocus Pocus): Stella in The Rose (1979), C.C. Bloom in Beaches (1988), Brenda Cushman in The First Wives Club (1996).
- Accolades: A true entertainment icon known as "The Divine Miss M," she is a four-time Grammy Award winner, two-time Tony Award winner, three-time Emmy Award winner, and two-time Academy Award nominee.
Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson)
- Birth Name: Sarah Jessica Parker
- Born: March 25, 1965, Nelsonville, Ohio, U.S.
- Key Roles (Non-Hocus Pocus): Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City (1998–2004), Frances Dufresne in Divorce (2016–2019), and Janey Glenn in Footloose (1984).
- Career Highlight: Her role as the fashion-forward writer Carrie Bradshaw cemented her status as a global style icon and earned her multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.
Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson)
- Birth Name: Kathy Ann Najimy
- Born: February 6, 1957, San Diego, California, U.S.
- Key Roles (Non-Hocus Pocus): Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (1992), Voice of Peggy Hill in King of the Hill (1997–2010), and Olive Massery in Veronica's Closet.
- Unique Fact: Najimy is also a prominent activist and writer, having gained national recognition for her feminist play, The Kathy and Mo Show, which she co-wrote and starred in.
The Latest Buzz: What We Know About Hocus Pocus 3
The development of Hocus Pocus 3 is the freshest news for fans, promising a new chapter thirty years after the original became a cultural phenomenon. While concrete details on the plot and release date remain tightly sealed, a few key pieces of information have emerged from the cast and Disney executives.
A “Brilliant” Script and Logistical Hurdles
The biggest update comes directly from the Divine Miss M herself. Bette Midler confirmed in a recent interview that a script for the third film has been completed and that it is "brilliant."
However, the main challenge now is not creative, but logistical. Getting three of Hollywood’s busiest and most high-profile actresses—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—to align their schedules for a lengthy film production is a significant undertaking. While all three are enthusiastic about returning as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, negotiations are currently focused on "figuring out all the logistics" to make the film happen.
The Potential Return of Original Cast Members
One of the most exciting rumors surrounding Hocus Pocus 3 is the possible return of the original 1993 film's human protagonists. While Max Dennison (Omri Katz) and Allison Watts (Vinessa Shaw) did not return for the sequel, another key player has expressed strong interest in coming back.
Thora Birch, who played the role of the feisty little sister Dani Dennison, has publicly stated that she is "super open" to returning to the franchise. Her character's connection to the Black Flame Candle and the Sanderson Sisters is integral to the original film's mythology, and her inclusion would provide a strong narrative bridge to the past. The return of Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones), who played the beloved zombie, is also highly anticipated, given his pivotal role in Hocus Pocus 2.
Behind the Cauldron: Little-Known Facts About the Cult Classic
The Hocus Pocus franchise is rich with history, and the journey from the original 1993 film to the upcoming threequel is filled with surprising behind-the-scenes details that cemented its status as a "cult classic" despite its initial box office failure.
The Original Script Was Much Darker
The version of Hocus Pocus we know and love is a family-friendly Disney comedy, but the first draft of the script was far more sinister. The story was initially conceived as a darker, more intense horror-fantasy aimed at a slightly older audience. Over time, the story evolved, softening the tone to fit Disney’s target demographic, which ultimately contributed to its enduring charm and appeal across generations. The focus shifted from pure horror to a comedic exploration of the three witches' fish-out-of-water experience in the modern world.
Salem vs. Rhode Island: The Filming Locations
While the setting of the films is definitively Salem, Massachusetts, the actual filming locations tell a different story.
- The Original Film (1993): The first movie did shoot some key exterior shots in Salem, including the iconic Pioneer Village, a living history museum that served as the setting for the 1693 scenes. The Dennison house and other scenes were also filmed in the area.
- The Sequel (2022): Surprisingly, Hocus Pocus 2 was primarily filmed in Rhode Island, not Salem. Filmmakers recreated the look and feel of Salem in locations across Rhode Island due to logistical and production reasons, a fact that surprises many fans who assume the entire franchise is shot in the historic city.
The Director’s Chair Passed to a New Generation
The original 1993 film was directed by Kenny Ortega, a legendary choreographer and director known for Dirty Dancing and the High School Musical franchise. His vision helped establish the over-the-top, musical-infused style of the Sanderson Sisters. For the 2022 sequel, the director’s mantle was passed to Anne Fletcher, known for The Proposal and 27 Dresses. Fletcher successfully brought the sisters back for a new era while honoring the original's tone, setting the stage for the next director who will tackle Hocus Pocus 3.
With a "brilliant" script in hand and the three original stars on board, the future of the Hocus Pocus franchise is looking brighter than ever. Fans eagerly await the moment when Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson will once again be summoned by the Black Flame Candle for another round of bewitching chaos.
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