Hocus Pocus 3 was supposed to be Disney’s guaranteed Halloween hit, and honestly, the fact that we’re still waiting for official production news in October 2025 suggests the Sanderson sisters might be more complicated to resurrect than anyone expected. After Hocus Pocus 2 became Disney+’s most-watched original film, the third installment should have been a slam dunk.
What’s Actually Going On
Disney announced the sequel in June 2023, but production stalled almost immediately despite initial enthusiasm from the creative team. Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo confirmed after the WGA strike that they were “still in the story stage” and “working on some ideas,” which basically translates to “we have no actual script yet.”
The most recent update came from Sarah Jessica Parker on Watch What Happens Live in July 2025: “No more developments other than we would like to do it. We’ve been having some conversations.” That’s Hollywood speak for “nothing is happening but we can’t admit it publicly.”
The Real Story Behind Delays
Bette Midler has been dropping hints about urgency, telling QVC’s Busy This Week, “I think if they’re gonna, they oughta, because time is not just marching, time is barrel-assing to the finish line. Get us while we’re still breathing, I mean, God!” The 78-year-old Divine Miss M clearly wants to return before aging becomes an issue.
Anne Fletcher remains attached to direct after helming Hocus Pocus 2, which earned massive streaming numbers but mixed critical reception. The sequel’s success proves audience appetite exists, but creative challenges around story development have apparently stumped Disney’s usually efficient franchise machine.
Problem
Hocus Pocus 3 needs to justify its existence beyond nostalgia and streaming numbers. D’Angelo mentioned exploring “Hannah Waddingham’s mother witch” character, suggesting they want to expand the mythology rather than repeat the same resurrection formula that worked twice already.
Kathy Najimy proposed making the third film animated, which could solve aging concerns while opening creative possibilities. “That would be cool and a smart idea. It’s fun, funny and could be interesting and innovative, like old-fashioned or new animation,” Parker agreed during a 2022 interview.
Why The Silence Matters
The lack of Hocus Pocus 3 news suggests Disney isn’t satisfied with proposed scripts or concepts. Unlike Marvel properties that generate constant headlines, this project has gone radio silent since initial announcement, indicating genuine creative struggles rather than typical Hollywood development.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy all expressed willingness to return, but their advanced ages create natural deadline pressure. The original 1993 film’s camp appeal worked because the actresses were younger and more physically capable of the demanding comedy.
What This Really Means
Disney’s hesitation might reflect broader concerns about franchise fatigue and Halloween-themed content oversaturation. The studio has numerous witch-themed properties including Agatha: Coven of Chaos and needs to differentiate Hocus Pocus from other magical content in their catalog.
The streaming success of Hocus Pocus 2 doesn’t guarantee theatrical viability for Hocus Pocus 3. Disney might be reconsidering the release strategy, debating between Disney+ exclusive content versus theatrical distribution that could maximize revenue potential.
Timeline
Without confirmed script, director commitment, or production schedule, Hocus Pocus 3 won’t reach theaters until 2027 at earliest. The actresses’ ages make extended delays increasingly problematic, potentially forcing Disney to choose between recasting iconic roles or abandoning the project entirely.
Halloween 2025 will pass without the sequel fans expected, proving that even successful franchises face creative and logistical obstacles that money alone can’t solve. Sometimes the magic just isn’t there, no matter how much audiences want it.
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