The Sanderson sisters are back!
More than 29 years afterthe original film hit theaters,Hocus Pocusis coming back for a thrilling sequel.
The upcoming Disney+ film will reunite our favorite witchesBette Midler,Sarah Jessica Parker, andKathy Najimyfor a brand-new story set in Salem, Massachusetts.
The sequel to the beloved 1993 film wasfirst announced in 2019andbegan filming in late 2021.
From the trailer to the official release date, here’s everything to know about the upcomingHocus Pocussequel.
Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker inHocus Pocus 2(2022).Matt Kennedy/Courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
What isHocus Pocus 2about?
The movie will pick up almost 30 years afterMax lit the Black Flame Candle in the 1993 film version and accidentally resurrected three witches on the hunt to steal children.
In the sequel, Winifred, Sarah and Mary now seek revenge as they awaken in present-day Salem, according toEntertainment Weekly. Three teenagers — Becca, Cassie, and Izzy — must find a way to stop the witches from gaining retribution.
A second trailer released in September 2022 revealed that the film will also delve into the Sanderson sisters' origin story. In the clip, the sisters appear as teenagers who head to the woods after being banished from Salem, where they encounter a witch who puts them on the path of dark magic.
Who is starring inHocus Pocus 2?
In addition to the return of Midler, Parker, and Najimy, the film will also introduce a handful of new characters.
Gossip Girl’s Whitney Peak,Dirt’s Lilia Buckingham, andAmerican Horror Stories’Belissa Escobedo will play the three teens.
Also joining the cast are Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, Hannah Waddingham, Doug Jones, Juju Brener, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Henderson, and Nina Kitchen.
Unfortunately,Omri Katz, who played teenage protagonist Max in the 1993 film, won’t be in the sequel. In a September 2022 interview withEntertainment Weekly, Katz said that he “would have loved to be involved” in the new movie, adding, “I feel bad for the original fan base saying we aren’t because I’m sure they wanted to see us reprise our roles.”
Still, the actor supports the film, stating, “I think it’ll be good for everyone who loved the original!” He added, “I hope fans will go see it. I know I will.”
Courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Who is directingHocus Pocus 2?
While famed director Kenny Ortega was the mastermind behind the first film,Adam Shankman will be taking overfor the sequel. TheHairspraydirectorconfirmed the news on his Instagramwith pictures of the script titles he was working on (includingthe sequel toEnchanted,Disenchanted) for Disney+.
“Yep….Thanks with all of my heart dear @disney Looks like Il be working on a looooooottttt of magic for awhile… I feel incredibly honored and humbled to be guiding forward these two Disney crown jewel legacies,” Shankman wrote in the caption.
He added, “My only hope is to honor those who came before me and build something new and exciting, as I desperately try to not let down the fans and enchant the new initiates! Fingers crossed! Xo.”
Shankman has directed other famous films such asRock of AgeswithTom Cruise,A Walk to Remember,andThe Wedding Planner.
Will there be any musical numbers inHocus Pocus 2?
OnWatch What Happens Live!in February, Parker teased that theSanderson sisters have a few musical numbersup their sleeves in this film.
Where wasHocus Pocus 2filmed?
While the upcoming film will be set in Salem, you won’t see all the iconic spots from the first film. Unlike the 1993 film, which was filmed in Massachusetts and Hollywood, the sequel was filmed in Rhode Island.
Where to watch theHocus Pocus 2trailer?
Disney+ shared a teaser trailerfor the upcoming film on June 28, which shows two teens lighting the Black Flame Candle and waking up the Sanderson sisters.
When willHocus Pocus 2be released?
The film will land on Disney+ Sept. 30.
source: people.com
