Bette Midler has recently shared an exciting update about Hocus Pocus 3, which comes two years after the announcement of the sequel. This new chapter in the beloved Disney Halloween franchise was confirmed in July 2023, riding on the heels of Hocus Pocus 2‘s phenomenal success, which saw it become the most-watched debut weekend on Disney+ with viewers accumulating 2.7 billion minutes.
Three years following the release of its predecessor, both the original Hocus Pocus film and its sequel remain popular, ranking second and fifth on Disney+ during the Halloween season of 2025. Despite this continued interest, the latest news before Midler’s statement was a rather tepid update from Sarah Jessica Parker in July that no significant progress had been made, only expressing a desire to move forward with the project.
During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Midler brought a more optimistic tone, revealing she has received a script for Hocus Pocus 3 and praised much of it as “brilliant.” She elaborated that the team is now diving into the logistical aspects of the film, such as budgeting and scheduling. Below are her exact words:
The script they sent over was quite a lot of brilliant material. It got me very excited, and now we’re sorting out the details, such as what it will entail, how it will proceed, where it will be filmed, and what the budget will look like.
This update from Midler marks a significant step forward for Hocus Pocus 3, especially compared to Parker’s previous comments indicating a standstill. Now with a script in hand, it seems the story is taking shape, though Midler hints at further revisions and developments to come.
The ending of Hocus Pocus 2 hinted at a return of the Sanderson sisters despite their apparent defeat, and Midler’s involvement in the upcoming film confirms the continuation of her character, Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson, along with her sisters Sarah (Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy).
Returning talents Anne Fletcher and Jen D’Angelo, who directed and wrote Hocus Pocus 2, are set to helm the third installment. While no casting announcements have been made, it is expected that the new coven introduced in the sequel, consisting of Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), will likely return.
The original success and ongoing popularity of the series have clearly influenced Disney’s decision to continue the saga. Midler’s enthusiasm about the script and the creative process suggests promising developments for the storyline. However, as many details are still being ironed out, fans should temper their expectations for a quick release. Hocus Pocus 3 is not anticipated to premiere by Halloween 2026, with 2027 appearing as a more realistic target. Nevertheless, it’s fitting that such encouraging news arrives during the Halloween season.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
