Hocus Pocus 2 release date: Cast, plot, trailer and latest news

Almost 30 years after the original exploded at the box office and quickly becoming a cult classic, we’re getting a Hocus Pocus sequel – though why did it take so long??

Whilst it wouldn’t be Hocus Pocus without Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the three Sanderson sisters – and we’ve now got confirmation that the iconic trio will indeed be back to terrify a brand new generation.

MarkMeets have been informed that filming is set to begin later this year and a director, script and even a release window all set in stone.

It’s good news after decades of rumours and demand from fans, with the cast frequently expressing their desire to make a sequel over the years.

Hocus Pocus 2 was first announced at Disney’s 2020 Investor Day, following the original Hocus Pocus film becoming the biggest big-screen rerelease of 2020 at the worldwide box office – surpassing the likes of Jurassic Park and The Empire Strikes Back in the process.

The first film saw the three Sanderson sisters resurrected after 300 years to cause chaos in the town of Salem, Massachusetts, and now after a mere thirty years it seems the witches will be reanimated yet again.

Read on for everything you need to know about the Hocus Pocus sequel, including all the details we have so far regarding a release date, casting news and potential plot details.

Hocus Pocus 2 release date

Despite the fact fans have gone to the cinema in droves to see the original Hocus Pocus on the big screen in 2020, it looks like the sequel will be a small screen offering only as the film will be a Disney+ exclusive.

In May 2021 it was confirmed that Hocus Pocus 2 would premiere on the streaming service in 2022.

Filming is taking place in late 2021, with the cast posting on social media that the Salem-set sequel would release in Fall 2022 – or Autumn for us in the UK, in what is highly likely to be a Halloween release window.

No exact date has been provided just yet and we’ll keep you updated as and when we get more news. In the meantime, find out how to watch Hocus Pocus.

Hocus Pocus 2 cast

The good news for fans is that the new film will see the stars of the original reunite – this is a proper sequel, rather than a remake or reboot.

In October 2020, Bette Midler revealed, “They want to make a movie, they’ve asked us if we were interested and of course all of us said yes.”

She added, “I’m game, I’m totally game.”

In May 2021 it was indeed confirmed that we would see Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprise their roles as the three Sanderson sisters!

It’s not clear at this stage whether their co-star Doug Jones will also be making a return, but he certainly seems to be on standby.

Further casting news has not been revealed so far, but we’ll keep this page updated with all the latest developments as and when they come.

What will the Hocus Pocus sequel be about?

In a press release, Disney confirmed that Hocus Pocus 2 would see “three young women accidentally bring the Sanderson Sisters back to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on the world”.

Not too dissimilar from the first film then – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The film will be directed by The Proposal’s Anne Fletcher, who assures us that the film will please new and old fans alike.

“I am so grateful to be able to play a part in bringing these witches back to life, and to be working with my friends at Disney again makes it all the more special,” she said. “This is a movie for everyone, from the fans who grew up with the first film to the next generation of viewers, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Fletcher is taking over from previously announced director Adam Shankman, who is hard at work on Enchanted sequel and fellow Disney Plus exclusive Disenchanted.

Original Hocus Pocus writer Mick Garris is looking forward to it – he recently told Comicbook.com he was “excited” by the prospect, adding that “the main reason the movie worked was the Sanderson Sisters”.

Meanwhile Bette Midler has also said of the script that “I think all of us agreed that it was pretty great” – so whatever happens in the movie it looks like fans could be in for a (trick or) treat.

We’ll let you know when we hear of any more plot details at MarkMeets Movies but for now enjoying trailer from the first film below