The Witches Are Still Stirring: Where The Hocus Pocus 2 Cast Is Now And The Shocking Future Of Hocus Pocus 3

The spell may have been broken in Salem, but the careers of the *Hocus Pocus 2* cast are more powerful than ever. As of December 18, 2025, the beloved sequel remains a Halloween staple, but the actors who brought the Sanderson sisters and the new generation of teens to life have moved on to massive new projects, including starring roles in major upcoming blockbusters and highly anticipated TV series. This deep dive reveals the complete cast and their latest, most current career updates, alongside the fresh details on the official development of *Hocus Pocus 3*—a project that could see the return of not just the original trio, but one of the sequel's breakout stars. The return of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy after nearly three decades was the main event, yet the film successfully introduced a new, formidable core cast. These young actors and established comedic veterans are now dominating the entertainment landscape. From a new *Hunger Games* lead to an Emmy-winning star joining a live-action Disney remake, the current status of the *Hocus Pocus 2* ensemble proves that the magic truly never dies.

Full Hocus Pocus 2 Cast and Current Career Status (2025 Update)

The success of the Disney+ sequel was built on a perfect blend of nostalgic returns and fresh talent. Below is the complete list of the main cast, their characters, and a detailed look at their most recent and upcoming projects, highlighting their topical authority in the industry today.

• Bette Midler (Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson): The leader of the Sanderson sisters, known for her iconic voice and theatrical flair.
• Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson): The ditzy, siren-singing sister whose beauty is a distraction.
• Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson): The loyal, dog-like sister who tracks her prey by scent.
• Whitney Peak (Becca): A high school student, aspiring witch, and lead protagonist who accidentally resurrects the sisters with the Black Flame Candle.
• Belissa Escobedo (Izzy): Becca’s best friend and a co-conspirator in the fight against the witches.
• Lilia Buckingham (Cassie Traske): Becca and Izzy's estranged friend, daughter of the Mayor, and an eventual ally.
• Sam Richardson (Gilbert): The owner of the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, a massive fan of the Sanderson sisters.
• Tony Hale (Jefry Traske): The Mayor of Salem and Cassie's father.
• Hannah Waddingham (The Witch): A mysterious, powerful witch who gives the young Sanderson sisters the spell book in the 17th-century opening sequence.
• Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson): Winnie's zombified ex-boyfriend, who returns as a reluctant ally to the teens.

The New Generation: Becca, Izzy, and Cassie's Massive Breakouts

While the performances of the legendary Sanderson sisters were flawless, the new leads—Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, and Lilia Buckingham—are the ones currently making the biggest waves in Hollywood, securing major roles that cement their status as rising stars.

Whitney Peak (Becca): From Salem to Panem

Whitney Peak, who played the powerful protagonist Becca, has arguably had the most significant career trajectory since *Hocus Pocus 2*. Her role as the young woman who inherits magical powers was a launching pad to major franchise work. In April 2025, she was officially announced as a lead in a new installment of *The Hunger Games* movie series, bringing her to a global blockbuster stage.

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Furthermore, Peak is set to star in several high-profile films. She will appear in the crime drama *Trap House*, which is scheduled for release in November 2025. Following that, she has a role in the heist comedy *4 Kids and a Bank*, expected in April 2026, and the thriller *EYE FOR AN EYE* (also known as *Night Terror*), which is slated for a 2025 release.

Belissa Escobedo (Izzy): The New Sitcom Star

Belissa Escobedo, who played the fiercely loyal best friend Izzy, has also transitioned seamlessly into a major television role. She is currently starring in the highly anticipated 2025 TV sitcom *Happy's Place*. The series, which has generated significant buzz, sees Escobedo taking on a central, comedic role, proving her versatility beyond the supernatural genre.

Escobedo's work in *Hocus Pocus 2* built on her previous success in the DC Extended Universe, where she played Milagro Reyes in the film *Blue Beetle* (2023), confirming her place in major studio productions.

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Lilia Buckingham (Cassie Traske): Focusing on the Craft

Lilia Buckingham, who portrayed Cassie Traske, has taken a more academic turn since her role in the sequel. While her performance was noted, Buckingham has been focusing on her studies, specifically screenwriting and film production at Boston University.

This dedication to the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking suggests a deeper, more long-term commitment to the craft, following her initial success as an actress, dancer, and social media personality.

The Comedic Veterans: Sam Richardson and Hannah Waddingham's Blockbuster Moves

The supporting cast of *Hocus Pocus 2* brought essential comedic relief and gravitas, and their current projects are just as impressive, spanning from animated remakes to major action franchises.

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Sam Richardson (Gilbert): The King of Comedy and Action

Sam Richardson, who played the delightfully enthusiastic magic shop owner Gilbert, continues his reign as one of Hollywood's most sought-after comedic actors. The Emmy-winning star, known for his roles in *Ted Lasso* and *Veep*, has secured a major role in Apple's upcoming live-action *Matchbox* movie.

In addition to this, Richardson is part of the ensemble cast for the 2025 film *Sacrifice*, a high-profile project that further showcases his range alongside other A-list actors. His character, Gilbert, a fan who accidentally helps resurrect the witches, was a key element in bridging the gap between the original film's lore and the sequel's new plot.

Hannah Waddingham (The Witch): From Ted Lasso to Disney and Mission Impossible

Hannah Waddingham, whose brief but pivotal role as the mysterious witch who gives the young Sanderson sisters the spell book was a highlight, is busier than ever. The Emmy winner is leveraging her immense popularity from *Ted Lasso* into a string of high-profile film projects.

Waddingham is set to star in the live-action Disney remake of *Lilo & Stitch*, scheduled for release in May 2025. She is also confirmed to appear in the highly anticipated action sequel *Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning*. On the television front, she is starring in the upcoming action-adventure series *Ride or Die*.

The Black Flame Candle Burns Again: Hocus Pocus 3 is Officially Confirmed

The biggest update for fans of the franchise is the official confirmation that *Hocus Pocus 3* is in active development at Disney. While the sequel was a long-awaited reunion, the third installment has moved forward much more quickly, driven by the massive success of *Hocus Pocus 2* on Disney+.

The current news, as confirmed by the original cast and production team in late 2025, is that a script for *Hocus Pocus 3* has been written and is under review. The intention is for the three legendary stars—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—to reprise their iconic roles as the Sanderson sisters once again, ensuring the magical continuity of the franchise.

Will the New Cast Return for Hocus Pocus 3?

While the focus is on the return of Winnie, Sarah, and Mary, the new generation of characters is essential to the lore established in the sequel. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether Becca, Izzy, and Cassie will return, especially given Becca's burgeoning powers revealed at the end of *Hocus Pocus 2*.

Intriguingly, Hannah Waddingham is also rumored to be a part of the threequel, which would further explore the origins of the Sanderson sisters' magic and the power of the spell book. Her character, The Witch, is a crucial entity in the *Hocus Pocus* universe, and her return would deepen the lore surrounding the Black Flame Candle and the history of witches in Salem, Massachusetts.

The rapid movement on *Hocus Pocus 3*—from an idea to a written script in a short time—suggests Disney is keen to capitalize on the topical authority of the franchise. The new film is expected to focus on a different kind of magic, possibly involving Becca's acceptance of her powers and a new threat that requires the combined strength of the old and new generations. The future of the *Hocus Pocus* universe is bright, with the sequel's cast continuing to enchant audiences in new, exciting ways.