Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in the works, with Disney confirming the long-awaited sequel is now in early development. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are expected to return as the Sanderson sisters, bringing Winnie, Sarah, and Mary back for another Halloween story.
There is still no official release date as of May 2026, though reports suggest the third film may be heading to theaters.
Is Hocus Pocus 3 Happening?
Image © 2025 Disney
Yes, Hocus Pocus 3 is officially happening! Disney confirmed the long-awaited sequel is in early development, and the latest movie update points toward another Halloween return for the Sanderson sisters after years of waiting.
Disney Officially Moves Forward With Hocus Pocus 3
Disney officially gave Hocus Pocus 3 the green light after years of sequel talk and fan anticipation. The third installment is now moving through early development, with script work and production planning underway as Disney starts shaping the next chapter.
Bette Midler gave fans an update during Watch What Happens Live, saying, “I got very excited, and now we’re trying to figure out what it is and where it’s going to be and how much it’s going to cost and all those logistical things.” People also reported that Midler had already read an early version of the script and shared that “a lot of it was brilliant.”
- Official Status: Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in early development.
- Bette Midler Said: “A lot of it was brilliant.”
- Production: Disney has active planning underway.
- Logistics: The team is still working through next steps.
- Release Date: Disney has not announced one yet.
Original Sanderson Sisters Expected To Return
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are expected back as Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus 3, which keeps the original trio together for another sequel. Their return brings back the same chemistry fans loved in Hocus Pocus and the second movie.
Entertainment Weekly previously shared Bette Midler saying, “If there was a third one, of course I’d sign on,” while Sarah Jessica Parker also said she would be happy to return for another movie with Kathy Najimy and Midler.
- Bette Midler: Returning as Winifred Sanderson.
- Sarah Jessica Parker: Returning as Sarah Sanderson.
- Kathy Najimy: Returning as Mary Sanderson.
- Original Cast: Disney is bringing the trio back together.
- Fan Hope: Max, Allison, and Dani remain popular requests.
Hocus Pocus 3 May Be Released in Theaters
Hocus Pocus 3 may be released in theaters, which would be a major shift after the second movie premiered only on Disney+. That creates a bigger Halloween event feel and raises expectations around Disney’s plans for the third film.
Jen D’Angelo, the writer behind Hocus Pocus 2, also shared with Entertainment Weekly, “We’re still in the story phase, we’re still working on it,” and added they’ve “only scratched the surface” of Hannah Waddingham’s Mother Witch storyline from the second movie.
- Theater Plans: Disney is considering a theatrical release.
- Story Update: “We’re still in the story phase.”
- Mother Witch: Hannah Waddingham may have a larger role.
- Halloween Timing: October remains the strongest fit.
- Next Step: More story details are still expected.
Final Thoughts
The Sanderson sisters still have a strong hold on Hocus Pocus, and that’s a big reason fans keep coming back. Between the black flame candle, Salem magic, and another Halloween night story taking shape, the third movie has plenty to build on from the second film.
If Disney brings back that same fun mix of witches, chaos, and nostalgia, Hocus Pocus 3 could easily become another favorite fans watch every October.
FAQs
Yes, Bette Midler is expected back in Hocus Pocus 3 for the third movie as Winifred Sanderson.
Yes, the original Sanderson sisters, including Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, are expected to return with more magic on Halloween night.
Yes, Disney confirmed Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in the works and currently in early development.
Hocus Pocus 3 is still in development, but fans expect it to continue the magical saga in Salem, Massachusetts with the Sanderson sisters returning for another Halloween adventure.
No, there is no Hocus Pocus 3 trailer yet, and Disney has not released even a small bit of footage from the third movie.