It seems like just yesterday we were all captivated by the Sanderson sisters' chaotic charm, and the buzz around a potential Hocus Pocus 3 has been simmering for a while now. Bette Midler, ever the enthusiastic ringleader, recently shared some exciting news, telling Andy Cohen that a script for the third installment has been reviewed and, get this, it's been called 'brilliant.' That's certainly enough to get any fan's cauldron bubbling!
Midler’s update, shared around mid-October 2025, paints a picture of active development. She mentioned that the team is now figuring out the logistics – where it will be filmed, how it will all come together, and, of course, the all-important budget. But the optimistic timeline she hinted at, suggesting it could be ready for Halloween 2026, has definitely fanned the flames of anticipation.
This latest news comes after a bit of a mixed bag of updates. We know Hocus Pocus 2, which premiered in July 2023, was a massive hit for Disney+, becoming the most-watched weekend premiere in Disney+ history. It’s clear the original film, released way back in 1993, has achieved true cult classic status, and its sequel continued to draw viewers, even ranking high on Disney+ charts during the 2025 Halloween season. Yet, for Hocus Pocus 3, the path hasn't been entirely smooth. Earlier in 2025, Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Sarah Sanderson, offered a more cautious perspective, noting that while the desire to make the film is there, concrete developments at Disney seemed to be stalled. She expressed that the chances of it happening felt a little less certain, depending on Disney actually moving forward.
It’s interesting to see how these projects evolve. The original Hocus Pocus didn't exactly set the box office alight upon its release, but its enduring popularity is a testament to its unique magic. The sequel, while successful, received more mixed reviews, and some fans were disappointed that not all original cast members were as prominently featured, despite their willingness to return. The idea of passing the baton to a new generation of witches is a common sequel strategy, but the original trio’s chemistry is undeniably a huge part of the franchise's appeal.
While the focus is often on the magical trio, it's worth remembering the incredible careers of the actresses involved. Sarah Jessica Parker, for instance, is not only beloved for her role as Sarah Sanderson but is also a pop culture icon thanks to her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City and its subsequent series. Her salary journey on Sex and the City itself is a story of immense professional growth, with significant jumps between seasons, highlighting her value and impact in the industry. It’s this kind of dedication and talent that makes fans eager to see them back on screen, whether it's conjuring spells or navigating the complexities of life.
So, while the Hocus Pocus 3 journey might have its twists and turns, Bette Midler's latest update offers a hopeful glimpse into a potentially spellbinding future. We'll just have to keep our eyes on our brooms and wait to see if those brilliant script pages translate into a Halloween 2026 treat.
