The Sanderson Sisters And Gen Z Witches: Where The Hocus Pocus 2 Cast Is Now In Late 2025

The magic of the Sanderson Sisters endures, but what are the stars of the Disney+ phenomenon *Hocus Pocus 2* doing in late 2025? Over three decades after the original film and years after the blockbuster sequel, the iconic trio—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—remain at the peak of their careers, while the younger cast members have exploded into major roles across film and television. The biggest news, however, is the "brilliant" script update for *Hocus Pocus 3*, which promises a return to Salem for the whole coven. This deep dive reveals the latest projects, career moves, and personal milestones for every major star from the 2022 sequel, from the legendary Winifred Sanderson to the new generation of Salem teens, Becca, Izzy, and Cassie. The cast is busier than ever, with new films, major awards, and even a new book series launching in 2025, proving their careers are anything but cursed.

The Legendary Sanderson Sisters: Current Projects and Legacy

The heart of the *Hocus Pocus* franchise is the unmatchable chemistry of the three lead actresses. Here is a look at their current status and recent achievements as of late 2025.

Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson)

• Role in HP2: Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson, the eldest and most powerful sister.
• Date of Birth: December 1, 1945 (Age 79)
• Notable Projects: *The Rose*, *Beaches*, *The First Wives Club*, *Hello, Dolly!* (Broadway).
• Current Status (Late 2025): The Divine Miss M continues her philanthropic work and is slated for a major film role.

In late 2025, Bette Midler celebrated her 80th birthday with a focus on her charitable work. Her annual Hulaween gala, which benefits her New York Restoration Project (NYRP), celebrated its 30th anniversary, with Midler matching donations to broaden access to green spaces across New York. On the acting front, Midler is set to star in the upcoming 2026 comedy film *Cut Off*, directed and co-written by Jonah Hill, alongside Kristen Wiig and Nathan Lane. Most exciting for fans is her update on the franchise: Midler confirmed that the script for *Hocus Pocus 3* is written and that it is "brilliant," fueling speculation for a Halloween 2025 release on Disney+.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson)

• Role in HP2: Sarah Sanderson, the youngest sister who uses her siren-like voice to lure children.
• Date of Birth: March 25, 1965 (Age 60)
• Notable Projects: *Sex and the City*, *And Just Like That...*, *Failure to Launch*, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (shoe line).
• Current Status (Late 2025): A powerful producer, designer, and acclaimed actress, with multiple new ventures.

Sarah Jessica Parker is experiencing a massive year of professional milestones. She is set to be honored with a Golden Globe Award in 2026, recognizing her extensive career in film and television. Parker is also expanding her influence behind the camera, having executive produced the documentary *The Librarians*, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Her entrepreneurial spirit is thriving: she was appointed global creative director for the lab-grown diamond brand Astrea London and launched a new line of fiction books, "SJP for Hogarth." She also made a surprise appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and joined the UGG Fall Winter 2025 campaign, solidifying her status as a global fashion icon.

Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson)

• Role in HP2: Mary Sanderson, the middle sister with a distinct, sniffing voice and a loyalty to Winnie.
• Date of Birth: February 6, 1957 (Age 68)
• Notable Projects: *Sister Act*, *King of the Hill* (voice of Peggy Hill), *VEEP*, *Younger*.
• Current Status (Late 2025): Actively filming and producing new content while reprising her most famous roles.

Kathy Najimy’s schedule is packed with new and returning projects. She is currently filming *The Soul Patrol* for Disney, a new series where she stars alongside Eric Idle and Tommy Davidson. Najimy is also dedicated to her production and directing work, focusing on projects that reflect her passion for equality and social justice, including an upcoming series about the Women’s Suffrage movement. Fans can still hear her familiar voice as Peggy Hill on the Emmy Award-winning animated series *King of the Hill*. Like her sisters, she is officially set to reprise her role as Mary Sanderson in the highly anticipated *Hocus Pocus 3*.

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The New Generation of Witches and Their Breakout Careers

The sequel introduced a new coven of high school students—Becca, Izzy, and Cassie—whose accidental summoning of the sisters drove the plot. Their careers have taken off since the film’s release.

Whitney Peak (Becca)

As the primary protagonist, Becca, Whitney Peak’s career has been on a steady upward trajectory. Peak is best known for her starring role as Zoya Lott in the HBO Max revival of *Gossip Girl*, which ran from 2021 to 2023. While she has been tight-lipped about her immediate new projects in 2025, her high-profile fashion endorsements and previous work suggest a major announcement is imminent, building on her status as a young Hollywood star.

Belissa Escobedo (Izzy)

Belissa Escobedo, who played the quick-witted Izzy, has landed a major role in the network comedy world. She is currently starring in the NBC comedy series *Happy’s Place* in 2025, where she plays the 20-year-old opposite country music icon Reba McEntire. Escobedo also gained significant attention for her role in the DC Comics film *Blue Beetle*, further diversifying her portfolio across major streaming, network TV, and blockbuster cinema.

Lilia Buckingham (Cassie)

Lilia Buckingham, who played Cassie, the mayor's daughter, is balancing her acting career with her academic pursuits. As a student at Boston University, Buckingham has been focusing on her studies, including research projects on food, identity, and socioeconomic status. She is also venturing into the literary world, with an upcoming book project set to be released by Random House, showcasing her talents beyond the screen.

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The Fan Favorites: Billy Butcherson, Gilbert, and The Witch Mother

The supporting cast of *Hocus Pocus 2* featured beloved returning characters and new, scene-stealing additions. Their recent work is just as varied and fascinating.

Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson)

Doug Jones returned as the beloved zombie Billy Butcherson, the former lover of Winifred. A master of prosthetics and physical acting, Jones is a staple in the sci-fi and fantasy genres. He continues to star as Commander Saru in the hit Paramount+ series *Star Trek: Discovery*, a role he has played since 2017, cementing his legacy in another major franchise. His commitment to the Sanderson Sisters' story is evident, as he is also expected to return for *Hocus Pocus 3*.

Sam Richardson (Gilbert)

Sam Richardson, who played the owner of the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, Gilbert, is one of the busiest comedians in Hollywood. Known for his roles in *VEEP* and *The Afterparty*, Richardson recently won a Guest Actor Emmy for his work in the Apple TV+ series *Ted Lasso*. In 2025, he joined the cast of Apple’s live-action *Matchbox* movie and made a high-profile appearance on *Celebrity Wheel of Fortune*, winning a large sum for his charity, The Detroit Creativity Project.

Hannah Waddingham (The Witch Mother)

The Emmy-winning actress and musical theatre veteran Hannah Waddingham, who played the mysterious Witch Mother, has soared to international stardom as Rebecca Welton in *Ted Lasso*. In late 2025, Waddingham is preparing for her upcoming series *Ride or Die*, where she will star as a woman covertly living a double life as a trained assassin. Her powerful performance in *Hocus Pocus 2* has also linked her to a potential role in the third installment, though the details of her character's return remain a closely guarded secret.

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The Future of Salem: What Hocus Pocus 3 Means for the Cast

The most significant update for the entire *Hocus Pocus 2* cast is the official movement on *Hocus Pocus 3*. Bette Midler’s affirmation that the script is "brilliant" has created massive buzz, suggesting a high-quality continuation of the story. While a release date is not yet official, the original trio—Midler, Parker, and Najimy—are all confirmed to reprise their roles, a commitment that ensures the franchise's success. The narrative of the third film is expected to focus on the new generation of witches, Becca, Izzy, and Cassie, allowing the younger cast members to continue their journey with the Sanderson Sisters, potentially setting up the next phase of the Disney Halloween cult classic. The return of the entire ensemble cast is a strong possibility, ensuring that the enduring magic of Salem will continue to enchant audiences for years to come.