As far as ’90s movies go, Hocus Pocus has stood the test of time, having transformed from a box office flop into a beloved cult classic and Halloween staple. Its resurgence in popularity (particularly on streaming) led to the development of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022, which brought the Sanderson sisters back for a new generation, nearly 30 years after the original. Disney has not snuffed out the Black Flame Candle yet, as a third film is in the works with the original trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy expected to return once more for the spellbinding sequel – only this time, an even bigger reunion could be on the cards.
If the witches are back, we’re sure there will be hell to pay, but if anyone can stop them, it’s the original cast who turned them to dust the first time they wreaked havoc across Salem. Thora Birch, who played young trick-or-treater Dani Dennison in the original 1993 film, has seemingly volunteered to take on the challenge by expressing a willingness to return for the third Hocus Pocus feature. “I’d like to know what they land on for how Dani wound up,” she told Entertainment Tonight during a recent interview. “I’m super open to the idea.”
The talented child actors from the first film were notably absent from Hocus Pocus 2, which prompted some discussion among fans at the time, as many vocalized their desire to see a wider reunion in the future. Birch has been onboard with the idea of returning for quite a while, as she revealed back in 2020 that she would like to be involved, assuming that there was a place in the story for her. Unfortunately, it didn’t come to pass, as the creative team behind the sequel opted to take the franchise in a different direction, with a story centered around three new Salem high school students – Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) – who accidentally resurrect the Sanderson sisters on Halloween night.
Bette Midler Says ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Script Is “Brilliant”
More to come…
- Director
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Anne Fletcher
- Writers
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Jen D’Angelo