Current status of a potential Hocus Pocus 3
As of 2025, there is no confirmed Hocus Pocus 3 in active production. A sequel was announced in development in late 2021, with Jen D'Angelo signed to write the script, and Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy all expressed openness to returning. Production has not started, and no release date has been set. Planned casting additions and story directions remain unconfirmed, and the project remains in development rather than actively filming. The 30th anniversary in 2023 generated retrospective coverage but did not materialize into new production milestones.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Announced sequel | September 2021 | News report (Disney/Pumpkin Studios) |
| Writer attached | Jen D'Angelo (as of 2021) | Industry news (Production Weekly) |
| Cast openness | Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy | Interviews (2021–2023) |
| Production status | Not started; in development | No production filings or start dates publicly listed |
| Release date | None announced | No Disney release schedule item as of 2025 |
| 30th anniversary | July 16, 2023 | Retail and streaming promotions; no new production reveal |
What a Hocus Pocus 3 would involve
A third film would likely center on new magical misadventures in Salem, potentially with a fresh ensemble cast while retaining the core trio. Expect a family-friendly tone grounded in the lore of the Sanderson sisters, with themes of sisterhood and empowerment. Given the evolution of the brand and audience expectations, the story could incorporate modern sensibilities while honoring the original’s humor and heart.
Plausible creative directions
- Expansion of the Sanderson universe with new coven dynamics
- A time-jump structure exploring the adult lives of the original cast
- Fresh villains or magical threats that challenge the sisters in new ways
Why production has not progressed
Despite development announcements, concrete progress has been delayed by script refinement, scheduling conflicts, and evolving priorities across Disney’s film slate. Writing and preproduction require alignment from cast, crew, and executives, and no start date has been publicly confirmed. The project remains viable but competes with other content initiatives under the studio banner.
How to track real progress
To separate credible updates from speculation, rely on primary sources: official Disney press releases, verified statements from the cast, and authoritative industry reporting. Studio announcements, Writers Guild filings, and production listings are more reliable than rumors or wishlists.
Useful signals to monitor
- Formal press release from Disney or Touchstone Pictures
- Script credit or WGA registration for Jen D’Angelo
- Casting announcements via official channels
- Start of principal photography or registered production codes
Comparisons with other Disney sequel timelines
Disney’s approach to legacy sequels varies widely, with some projects moving quickly and others lingering in development. The gap between announcement and greenlight can depend on rights clarity, talent availability, and strategic fit within the portfolio.
| Project | Announcement to greenlight | Status as of 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Hocus Pocus sequel (announced) | Announced 2021; no greenlight | In development, not filming |
| Encore (fictional example) | TBD | Planning phase |
What a confirmed renewal would mean
If Disney officially greenlights Hocus Pocus 3, the timeline from approval to release would likely span 2–4 years, covering script finalization, casting, filming, post-production, and marketing. A summer or fall release aligned with the 1993 original’s July launch would align with legacy branding, though nothing is scheduled at present.