The long-rumoured sequel to the 1993 film is going ahead - but perhaps not with the same witches
'Hocus Pocus' is a Halloween classic, and we're definitely not the only ones looking forward to our annual festive viewing of the 1993 classic.
There have been many rumours of a sequel over the years, but Bette Midler shut them down a few years back when she insisted that there would be no 'Hocus Pocus 2'. During a Facebook Q&A, she said: "After all these years and all the fan demand, I do believe I can stand and firmly say an unequivocal no."
This was despite her co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy expressing an interest in returning.
However, it looks like there may now be hope for those who loved the first film, as apparently a sequel is in the works at Disney+.
Collider report that the streaming arm of the studio is going ahead with 'Hocus Pocus 2' and has tasked 'Workaholics' director Jen D'Angelo to write the script.
If you'll recall the ending of the first film [look away now, if not], the three witch sisters crumbled into dust - but D'Angelo has been tasked to find a way to bring back the original cast. Disney is apparently 'hopeful' that the trio will be involved, although they're not attached as yet. There's also speculation that three new witches will take over the baton (wand?) for a new generation.
The likelihood of Midler being involved, however, seems as distant as ever: she unequivocally told People magazine in 2017 that she would not be involved in a sequel for any money. "I know it’s cheap. It’s going to be cheap!," she said of the prospect. "I’m not sure what they’re going to do with my character. My character is very, very broad and I don’t know who they’re going to find to play that."
Maybe she's had a change of heart since...?