Disney’s Classic 1993 Halloween Film Hocus Pocus to Receive Sequel After 29-Year Hiatus

(SeaPRwire) –   A simple way to ensure a movie becomes a timeless classic is by linking it to a holiday, which naturally leads to annual rewatchings by fans. A Christmas Story and It’s A Wonderful Life are shown repeatedly during the holidays, When Harry Met Sally or The Apartment are ideal for New Year’s viewing, and Groundhog Day is essential to watch on Groundhog Day.

However, Disney has established itself as the leader in Halloween-themed films, with numerous entries like the Halloweentown series and The Nightmare Before Christmas, where spooky yet family-friendly content dominates Disney+. One of the studio’s most iconic Halloween movies recently experienced a resurgence and is now being expanded into a trilogy.

According to Deadline, Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in early development at Disney, with Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker expected to reprise their roles. The trio first portrayed the witchy Sanderson sisters in the original 1993 film directed by Disney legend Kenny Ortega, quickly becoming a Halloween favorite and enduring costume choice for decades.

In 2022, Hocus Pocus fell victim to Disney’s trend of reviving older properties—commonly referred to as “legacy-quel fever”—leading to the release of Hocus Pocus 2 after a 29-year hiatus. That sequel was well-received, and now the third installment is set to debut theatrically, unlike its predecessor, which launched only on Disney+.

This isn’t the first time Disney has announced plans for a Hocus Pocus trilogy. In 2023, Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, revealed intentions for a third film, but no further updates followed after he stepped down from his position in 2024, leaving the project uncertain. While this news may feel sudden, it actually stems from longstanding ambitions.

The announcement also confirms that Disney’s recent strategy of embracing nostalgia is proving successful. Titles such as Disenchanted and Freakier Friday have taken stories from the ’90s and ‘00s and reimagined them for today’s audiences and new generations. With Hocus Pocus back in motion, it can now conclude its narrative arc as a future Halloween classic.

While fans often express concern over the abundance of remakes and sequels, it’s undeniable that these projects resonate with viewers. And if they bring back cherished childhood characters, how could that possibly be a bad thing?

Hocus Pocus is currently available to stream on Disney+.