Disney is developing Hocus Pocus 3 as the next sequel in its Halloween movie franchise. The film centers on the Sanderson sisters, three 17th-century witches who return when resurrected on Halloween. CBR reported on May 6, 2026 that Disney Live Action Studios put the project in early development in its early development report. The move revives a sequel first floated in 2023 and restarts momentum for theatrical Halloween viewing.
Table of Contents
- Which stars are coming back?
- Why did the sequel stall before?
- Will Hocus Pocus 3 play in theaters?
- What should fans watch for next?
Which stars are coming back?
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are expected to reprise their roles as Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson. Nerdist reported their return on May 6, 2026 in its report on the Sanderson sisters returning.
Their new deals resolved prior contract and logistics delays. That clears the central casting hurdle for a franchise built around their performances.
Why did the sequel stall before?
Then-studio production president Sean Bailey first announced the sequel in 2023. Cinema Express noted the project stalled after his 2024 exit before the May 2026 revival in its franchise history.
The original film dates to 1993. Hocus Pocus 2 followed on Sept. 30, 2022 on Disney+ under director Anne Fletcher and sustained Halloween demand.
Will Hocus Pocus 3 play in theaters?
Disney is planning a theatrical distribution component for Hocus Pocus 3. That would mark a shift from Hocus Pocus 2, which went straight to Disney+ in 2022.
A theater run would reach family audiences who discovered the sequel at home. It also positions the witches as an event-style Halloween release rather than a streaming premiere.
What should fans watch for next?
Disney Live Action EVP of Production Jessica Virtue is overseeing the project for the studio. BroadwayWorld identified her role in its May 6, 2026 coverage with its studio oversight detail.
Her involvement signals active studio management in early development. Creative hires and production timing normally follow this stage.
- Follow Disney for the formal release date and theatrical plan
- Hold off on travel plans tied to a premiere or opening weekend
- Rewatch the 1993 film and the 2022 sequel for story continuity