We already know that a third film in the Hocus Pocus franchise is on the way, but Bette Midler has provided the most positive update on its progress thus far. With a “brilliant” story set to be told, what do we know about the next instalment?
Following the success of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022, executives at Disney subsequently greenlit a follow-up in June 2023. Progress has been slow since then, but it’s always been a big project for the company.
After Sarah Jessica Parker said in July that there were no “further developments” in production following its announcement, fans could be forgiven for thinking that the third film could be ages away, but Midler has settled the score.
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“They sent a script and a lot of it was brilliant,” said the actor during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “So I got very excited. Now, we’re sort of trying to figure out what it is, where it’s going to be and how much it’s going to cost.”
The news comes amid a surge in popularity for the second film in the franchise, which is currently sitting in the #4 position on Disney Plus’ film and TV chart for the UK. The only other film that is currently ranked higher is Pixar’s Elio, which is at #3 (via FlixPatrol).
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The original film, which was released in 1993, has also performed well over the course of the last week, with the iconic fantasy comedy currently ranking at #9 in the streamer’s worldwide film chart (via FlixPatrol).
While work on the third film is now ramping up, one former Hocus Pocus actor who may not be involved is Hannah Waddingham, with the star saying in November 2023 that she hadn’t yet been asked to reprise her role as Mother Witch.
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“No [I haven’t been asked], hilariously,” she said. “I love that there’s been all this talk, and I’m here for it. But no… I mean, that would be amazing [to come back]. I feel like I just barely, barely scratched the surface or put half an eyelash on for her.
“I feel like there is far more for the Mother Witch to cause magnificent mayhem. I would be so down for that. I mean, for one, Salvador Perez’s costume needs another trot out for sure, and my cape that I wouldn’t let them cut, definitely needs another swish.”
Hocus Pocus 3 has no release date. Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 are available to watch on Disney Plus in the UK.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
