Disney finally confirms Hocus Pocus 2 will resurrect the original Sanderson Sisters
The Sanderson Sisters will return for Halloween 2022. (Disney)
Hocus Pocus 2 is officially bringing back the original witching trio of Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy.
The trio confirmed their casting on Instagram, with Bettle Midler writing: “Sistaaaahs! It’s been 300 years… But we’re BACK!”
Sarah Jesica Parker joined in the excitement, writing: “Yep. I’m ready. To run. Amok, amok, amok, amok.”
Kathy Najimy added: “The people have spoken: I smell children…again.”
Disney announced that Hocus Pocus 2 will stream exclusively on Disney Plus around Halloween 2022, with filming reportedly set to begin this autumn.
The sequel will see the Sanderson sisters accidentally resurrected (again) to modern day Salem, where the three young women who brought them back must figure out how to stop them wreaking fresh havoc on the world.
While the original Hocus Pocus was directed by Kenny Ortega, the star choreographer who brought us the High School Musical trilogy, he won’t be back to direct the sequel.
Adam Shankman, who directed Hairspray and Rock of Ages, was initially slated to direct, but unfortunately had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. Anne Fletcher has now been confirmed to helm the sequel, known for her previous work on Dumplin’ and Step Up.
“Now more than ever, people need to laugh,” Fletcher told Empire. “We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film.
“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. 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.”
While the main three stars and several of the team behind the camera have been announced, there has been no further casting news.
The original Hocus Pocus saw the Sanderson sisters resurrected by a young boy, played by Omri Katz, who has since retired from acting to become a hairdresser in LA.
