Key Highlights
- Bette Midler reveals a script for “Hocus Pocus 3” has been completed.
- The original cast members are still considering the project’s future.
- “Hocus Pocus 2” set a streaming record with 2.7 billion minutes of viewing in a week.
Hocus Pocus 3: The Sequel That Continues to Cast Spells
Witches are back, and this time they’re not just singing and dancing for their lives. Bette Midler, one of the original stars from “Hocus Pocus,” shared some exciting news about a potential third installment in the iconic witch saga during an interview with host Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live.
The Return of the Sanderson Sisters
Midler’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable as she discusses the completion of the script. “Well, you know, they sent a script. And a lot of it was brilliant,” Midler stated, adding that she got very excited about the prospect of returning to the role of Winifred Sanderson. However, like any good witch, she’s cautious and pragmatic: “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.”
A Streaming Success
The success of the sequel cannot be overstated. Following the 2022 release of “Hocus Pocus 2,” the movie set a streaming record with 2.7 billion minutes of viewing in just one week on Disney+. The original film, released in 1993 and directed by Kevin Kline, introduced the world to three powerful witches — Sarah Jessica Parker’s Mary Sanderson, Kathy Najimy’s Sarah Sanderson, and Bette Midler’s Winifred Sanderson. Their return was met with mixed reactions from fans, some of whom criticized “Hocus Pocus 2” for deviating too far from the original’s tone and substance.
Industry Context and Future Implications
The success of a sequel in such a short period on streaming services has not gone unnoticed by industry professionals. Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, confirmed that “Hocus Pocus 3” is indeed in development. However, the challenges of bringing the witches back to the big screen or streaming service are significant.
The original cast members have shown interest, but the complexities of production schedules and financial considerations must be addressed.
“We’ve been having some conversations,” Sarah Jessica Parker shared, indicating that while there is enthusiasm, concrete plans are still in development stages. This sentiment echoes Midler’s earlier statement about sorting out logistical details before any definitive decisions can be made.
Expert Perspectives
The reaction from the audience to “Hocus Pocus 2” offers valuable insights for the third installment. Many fans expressed disappointment with the sequel, citing its departure from the original film’s tone and plot. To ensure a successful return, producers will need to balance fan expectations with creative freedom and financial realities.
“It was during Covid,” added one respondent, highlighting the context in which “Hocus Pocus 2” was produced, a period marked by economic constraints that may have influenced production decisions. This background could provide some explanation for certain aspects of the sequel that drew criticism from fans.
Conclusion
The future of “Hocus Pocus 3” remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the witches are once again stirring up anticipation among fans and critics alike. As Bette Midler and her onscreen sisters ponder their next move, audiences can only hope for a return to the magic that made the original film a beloved classic.
