The Sanderson Sisters’ Next Act: Where The Hocus Pocus 2 Cast Is Now In 2025 (And Who’s Confirmed For Hocus Pocus 3)

The Black Flame Candle burned bright once more, and as of December 2025, the magic of Hocus Pocus 2 continues to cast a powerful spell over pop culture. The long-awaited sequel, which premiered in 2022, not only reunited the iconic Sanderson Sisters but also introduced a new coven of young stars and a mysterious new witch to the lore. With the film breaking streaming records for Disney+ and a third installment officially greenlit, fan curiosity is at an all-time high about what the beloved cast members are up to today and who is set to return to Salem.

From Tony-winning Broadway projects and major franchise film roles to the latest updates on the "brilliant" script for Hocus Pocus 3, the stars of the sequel are busier than ever. This in-depth look explores the complete cast list, their roles, and all their exciting new projects as we head into the next chapter of the Sanderson saga.

The Complete Coven: Hocus Pocus 2 Cast & Character List (2025 Update)

The success of Hocus Pocus 2 hinged on the seamless blend of nostalgia and new blood. Here is a full list of the main and supporting cast members, their roles, and their most notable recent and upcoming projects, confirming their status as major topical authority figures in film and television.

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• Bette Midler (Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson): The leader of the coven, known for her powerful voice and distinct overbite. In 2025, Midler remains heavily involved with her New York Restoration Project (NYRP), hosting the annual Hulaween gala, and is set to star in an upcoming 2026 film alongside Jonah Hill and Kristen Wiig.
• Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson): The ditzy, siren-voiced sister. Parker continues her work in fashion and literature, appearing at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and expanding her SJP for Hogarth book publishing line.
• Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson): The loyal, vacuum-riding sister. Najimy is currently filming the Disney project *The Soul Patrol* and continues her long-running voice role as Peggy Hill on the revival of the animated series *King of the Hill*.
• Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson): Winifred's reanimated ex-lover/zombie. The master of creature performance, Jones is a fixture at fan conventions like Terrificon 2025, continues his role on *Star Trek: Discovery*, and is the subject of a feature-length documentary about his career.
• Whitney Peak (Becca): The main protagonist, a high school student who accidentally resurrects the sisters and is revealed to be a witch herself. Peak has major upcoming roles in the crime drama *Trap House* (November 2025) and the horror thriller *Eye for an Eye*.
• Belissa Escobedo (Izzy): Becca's best friend. Escobedo is starring alongside Reba McEntire in the new NBC sitcom *Happy's Place* and previously appeared in the DC Comics film *Blue Beetle*.
• Sam Richardson (Gilbert): The owner of the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe who provides the new Black Flame Candle. The Emmy-winning *Ted Lasso* and *Veep* alum is set to appear in the 2025 ensemble film *Sacrifice* and the upcoming live-action *Matchbox* movie.
• Hannah Waddingham (The Witch): The mysterious, ancient witch who gives the Sanderson Sisters the Book of Spells. The Emmy-winning star of *Ted Lasso* has a major role in the 2025 blockbuster *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning*.
• Tony Hale (Jefry Traske): The Mayor of Salem and the father of Becca's rival. Hale, a multi-Emmy winner for *Veep* and *Arrested Development*, continues to be a prolific actor across film and television.

Behind the Cauldron: Secrets and Surprises from the Hocus Pocus 2 Set

While the film delivered the nostalgic return fans craved, the production of Hocus Pocus 2 was full of intriguing behind-the-scenes details that cemented its place in cinematic history and highlight the commitment of the cast and crew. Knowing these details adds a layer of topical authority to the sequel's story.

The Unexpected Director Switch

One of the biggest behind-the-scenes stories was the change in leadership. Originally, Adam Shankman, known for directing *Hairspray*, was slated to direct the sequel. However, due to scheduling conflicts with another Disney project, Anne Fletcher, famous for films like *The Proposal* and *27 Dresses*, stepped in to take the helm. This change in director from a musical theater veteran to a romantic comedy specialist is a fascinating detail that some fans believe influenced the sequel's tone, which leaned heavily into the friendship and heart of the new coven (Becca, Izzy, and Cassie).

Creating Salem, Massachusetts in Rhode Island

Despite the story being set in the historic town of Salem, Massachusetts, the majority of Hocus Pocus 2 was filmed over 400 miles away in Rhode Island. The production team meticulously recreated the iconic New England atmosphere using various locations, including Providence's Cranston Street Armory, which stood in for the exterior of the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, and Lincoln's Chase Farm for the large-scale outdoor scenes. Only a few exterior shots used footage from the actual Salem, Massachusetts, highlighting the incredible set design and dedication to continuity with the original film.

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The Divine Miss M’s Commitment to Winnie

Bette Midler, a Disney Legend and the undeniable heart of the franchise, was the driving force behind the sequel. She has been vocal for years about her desire to return as Winifred Sanderson, often citing the immense love from the fanbase. Her commitment to the character involved a rigorous process of reprising her distinct voice, mannerisms, and the iconic overbite. Midler’s return, along with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, was a non-negotiable for fans, and their immediate chemistry, even three decades later, was a testament to their enduring friendship and professional bond, which is a key entity in the franchise's success.

The Future is Witchy: Hocus Pocus 3 and Beyond

With the success of the sequel, the most pressing question in December 2025 is the status of the third film. Thankfully, the news is overwhelmingly positive, solidifying the franchise's future in the Disney+ catalog.

Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development. Bette Midler confirmed in a recent interview that a "brilliant" script has been written and is currently under review by the cast and team. While the full cast has yet to be confirmed, the enthusiasm from the original trio—Midler, Parker, and Najimy—suggests a strong likelihood of their return, though their roles may be less central, paving the way for the new generation of witches.

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The ending of Hocus Pocus 2 strongly suggested that the magic has been passed on to Becca (Whitney Peak), making her a central figure for the next chapter. Her recent explosion of high-profile projects, including *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* (2026), indicates she is a rising star ready to carry a major Disney franchise.

Furthermore, the post-credits scene of the sequel teased the possibility of a third Black Flame Candle, ensuring that the return of the Sanderson Sisters, or at least the spirit of their mischief, is never far off. The future of the *Hocus Pocus* universe appears to be a mix of the classic, beloved coven and the fresh, dynamic energy of the new cast, ensuring the franchise remains a Halloween staple for generations to come.