Here’s everything to know about the ‘Hocus Pocus’ sequel

Gothtober may be over, but the spooks won’t be ending if Disney+ gets their way. The legendary Halloween film Hocus Pocus officially has a sequel in the works at the upcoming streaming service. Writer Jen D’Angelo has been tasked with finding a way to bring the Sanderson sisters back to life.

D’Angelo is also expected to bring the original sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) on board for a sequel. But according to Parker’s Instagram, the three have already said yes. Now all they need is a willing director to fill in Kenny Ortega’s warlock shoes. 

The cult-classic film wasn’t successful at the box office, but thanks to Disney playing the film on repeat during Halloween on Freeform, it’s no longer Halloween without it. Hocus Pocus has become big thanks to Disney, so it’s no surprise they’re willing to bank on the success of a sequel.

We’ve conjured up what you need to know about the spooky sequel, from the casting to the estimated release date. 

Are the original Sanderson sisters returning for real??

No official casting announcements have been made, but if Sarah Jessica Parker’s comment on her Instagram is true, then yes! Bette Midler, Parker, and Kathy Najimy are the reason the film is iconic as it is, so it would be wrong to not bring them back for part two. No word if anyone else is coming back from the cast. 

Who’s working behind the scenes? 

Jen D’Angelo (Workaholics, Happy Together) is penning the screenplay, drawing inspiration from Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel. The book was not only a novelization of the original, but included a new story featuring Max’s daughter Poppy trying to debunk the myth 25 years after her father Max dealt with the witches. 

While no director has been tied to the project yet, the original director Kenny Ortega may find himself back in the director’s chair for round two. In a 2017 interview, he said he would be willing to work on a sequel, as long as the original Sanderson sisters returned as well. Based on their interest in a sequel, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ortega returned too. 

How much longer do I have to wait for my Hocus Pocus fix?

Who knows? With only a writer officially on board, the Hocus Pocus sequel is in pre-pre-production at this point. Don’t expect a new film until Halloween 2020 at the earliest.