Hocus Pocus 2 is officially moving forward on Disney's upcoming streaming service Disney+. The first Hocus Pocus was released over 25 years ago in 1993, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three evil witches who are resurrected on Halloween. Over the years Hocus Pocus has become a cult classic, with many people watching the film every year during October.
There has been a newfound interest in a Hocus Pocus sequel in the last few years. Tina Fey was once thought to be attached to Hocus Pocus 2, but it turned out that she was apparently working on a different project for Disney. Then it was rumored that Hocus Pocus 2 might be a TV movie, but reports made it unclear whether the original cast was returning or if the new film would stand as a remake. Even with these rumors, there haven't been a lot of solid updates, but the film is now officially confirmed.
According to Collider, Hocus Pocus 2 is officially moving forward with Workaholics writer and co-producer Jen D’Angelo writing the script for the film. At this point, virtually nothing is known about the story, but sources say that Disney wants to see Midler, Parker, and Najimy return in some way. Hocus Pocus 2 will be available exclusively on Disney+ upon the film's release.
Disney has been able to build a lot of hype for their upcoming streaming service by announcing several projects that are either sequels, spin-offs, or reboots of popular franchises. Disney+ will of course have a plethora of classic Disney content, but fans are eagerly anticipating new shows like The Mandalorian and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Disney will also be rebooting High School Musical, as well as some of the properties they acquired from 20th Century Fox including Home Alone, Cheaper By the Dozen, and Night at the Museum.
While fans have been dying to see Hocus Pocus 2, the cast of the original movie has been open to returning for the sequel. Back in 2014, Midler and the other Sanderson sisters actresses said they would come back for a sequel, and even Doug Jones wants to reprise his role as Billy Butcherson. With the core cast members being interested in the sequel, it would certainly be a mistake to not utilize them in the film. Fans have grown to love the Sanderson sisters and Billy, so not having them return in some capacity would likely result in fan backlash. Since the film is still in early development, it could be quite sometime before fans find out more about Hocus Pocus 2.
Source: Collider