Hocus Pocus 3 Release Date: Everything We Know About The Sanderson Sisters' Return And The 'Brilliant' Script

The wait for another spellbinding Halloween adventure continues, but the news is better than ever for fans of the Sanderson Sisters. As of December 11, 2025, there is no official, confirmed release date for Hocus Pocus 3. However, the project is officially in active development at Disney, and the most recent updates from the original cast are incredibly promising, suggesting that while a 2025 release is highly unlikely, a 2026 or even 2027 premiere remains the current best-case scenario for the beloved witchy trio.

The highly anticipated third installment of the Disney franchise, which began with the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus and was revived by the 2022 hit sequel Hocus Pocus 2, has been confirmed by Disney executives. The biggest news to quell fan anxiety came directly from the Divine Miss M herself, Bette Midler, who has called the completed script "brilliant," indicating a strong story foundation is already in place for the next chapter of the Salem witches.

The Official Status of Hocus Pocus 3: Development, Script, and Release Window Speculation

The development of Hocus Pocus 3 has been a topic of intense speculation since the massive success of its predecessor on Disney+. The sequel, which premiered nearly 30 years after the original, broke streaming records, making a third film an almost immediate certainty for the studio.

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A Confirmed Greenlight and a Completed Screenplay

The film was officially confirmed to be in development in June 2023 by Sean Bailey, the President of Walt Disney Pictures. This initial announcement set the stage for the return of the iconic trio. More recently, the most concrete update came from Bette Midler, who plays the head witch, Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson. During a public appearance, Midler revealed that a script for the third movie has been completed. She even went a step further, describing the screenplay as "brilliant," which is a major boost of confidence for a franchise that has a high bar set by its devoted fanbase.

The script is reportedly being penned by Jen D'Angelo, who was the screenwriter for Hocus Pocus 2. Her return suggests a continuation of the tone and narrative threads established in the sequel, focusing on both the classic Sanderson Sisters dynamic and the new generation of Salem's magic users.

Why There Is No Official Release Date Yet

Despite the script being done, an official release date remains "To Be Announced" (TBA). The delay is likely due to the complex logistics of bringing back the three main stars, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, whose individual schedules are notoriously busy. All three actresses are major entities in their own right:

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• Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson): A legendary performer with a demanding stage and screen career.
• Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson): Star and executive producer of the successful series And Just Like That....
• Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson): A prolific voice actor and television personality.

Coordinating the schedules of three A-list stars for a major film production is a significant undertaking. Given the typical production timeline—pre-production, filming (which usually takes a few months), and extensive post-production (especially for a VFX-heavy film like Hocus Pocus)—a release for Halloween 2025 is highly improbable. Fans should realistically anticipate a premiere sometime in late 2026 or October 2027 on Disney+, following the pattern of the sequel.

The Returning Cast and Crew: Who Will Be Back to Light the Black Flame Candle?

The magic of the Hocus Pocus franchise hinges entirely on the chemistry of the three lead actresses. Fortunately for fans, the most important cast members are expected to return, alongside key creative personnel.

The Iconic Trio: The Sanderson Sisters

The most exciting news is the strong indication that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will all reprise their roles as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. While no contracts have been publicly finalized, the fact that Midler has seen and praised the script is a powerful signal of her commitment. Their enthusiasm for the project has been clear in multiple interviews, with the actresses citing the joy of reuniting and the love from the fanbase as major motivators for their return to the beloved characters.

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Behind the Camera: Director and Writer

The creative team responsible for the successful revival is also expected to return. Anne Fletcher, who directed Hocus Pocus 2, is anticipated to be back in the director's chair for the third film. Her vision for balancing nostalgia with a modern story was a key factor in the sequel's success. Furthermore, screenwriter Jen D'Angelo is on board to craft the story, ensuring a consistent narrative voice for the trilogy.

Potential Returning Legacy Characters

The sequel introduced a new generation of characters, and the third film is expected to continue their storylines. The new trio of high school students—Becca (played by Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham)—who become entangled in the witches' return, are central to the future of the franchise. Given the ending of Hocus Pocus 2, which hinted at Becca’s own burgeoning magical powers, their involvement is highly likely.

Fans are also eagerly awaiting the return of original cast members from the 1993 film. Thora Birch, who played the spirited Dani Dennison, has publicly stated that she would love to reprise her role in the third movie. Additionally, Doug Jones, who plays the fan-favorite zombie Billy Butcherson, has addressed the possibility of his return, though no official confirmation has been made for either legacy character. Bringing back Dani Dennison would provide a powerful bridge between the original film and the new trilogy, satisfying long-time fans.

Plot Speculation: What Could the 'Brilliant' Script Entail?

While specific plot details are under tight wraps, the ending of Hocus Pocus 2 and Bette Midler’s comments on the "brilliant" script offer strong clues about the direction of the third movie. The plot is likely to focus on two major converging storylines.

The New Generation of Witches

The sequel concluded with Becca, Izzy, and Cassie having successfully defeated the Sanderson Sisters, but with Becca discovering she possesses magical abilities. The new film will almost certainly explore this development, potentially establishing Becca and her friends as a new coven in Salem, tasked with protecting the town from future magical threats. This shift in focus, which was a major element of the second film, suggests the franchise is building a legacy beyond the original sisters.

A Creative Return for the Sanderson Sisters

The biggest question is how Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson will return, as they were last seen dissolving into dust. The script's brilliance likely lies in a creative mechanism for their resurrection that doesn't rely solely on the Black Flame Candle, which was destroyed in the sequel. Theories abound, including:

• A New Incantation: The script could introduce a new, ancient spell or object of power that brings them back.
• A Flashback/Prequel Element: A portion of the film could delve deeper into the sisters’ backstory, perhaps exploring the 17th-century Salem Witch Trials era or their relationship with the Mother Witch.
• A Spiritual Return: The sisters could return as ghosts or spiritual entities that must possess new bodies to wreak havoc, though this is less likely given the desire for the original actresses to be physically present.

The goal of the third movie, given the previous film's success, is to deliver a fresh, unique story while still providing the nostalgic elements that fans crave. The return of director Anne Fletcher and screenwriter Jen D'Angelo suggests that the core themes of sisterhood, friendship, and the enduring power of magic will remain central to the narrative, ensuring that Hocus Pocus 3 is a worthy conclusion—or continuation—of the beloved Halloween saga.

In summary, while the official Hocus Pocus 3 release date remains a mystery, the confirmed development, the completed "brilliant" script, and the expected return of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are the strongest indicators yet that the Sanderson Sisters will ride again. Keep your eyes on Disney+ for an announcement, which is most likely to drop during the Halloween season of a future year.