Disney has premiered new footage from Hocus Pocus 2, revealing the return of the Sanderson sisters. Winnie (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) were the central villains of Disney's original 1993 family comedy, Hocus Pocus. During the events of the first movie, the three witches are arrested and hanged for the murder of two children in Salem, Massachusetts on October 31, 1693. Before their deaths, the sisters vowed to return 300 years later to seek retribution, which is exactly what they did.

Hocus Pocus 2 is a direct sequel to Disney's original movie and is set to see the return of all three Sanderson sisters. Discussions about the sequel began back in 2014, and Hocus Pocus 2 entered development in 2019, during which it was revealed that Midler, Parker, and Najimy would reprise their iconic roles. Since the 1993 movie, Hocus Pocus' Sanderson sisters have grown a cult-like following in popular culture, becoming a very common Halloween costume. While the sisters ultimately met their demise at the end of Hocus Pocus after being tricked by the film's young heroes, it appears they're back to terrorize Salem once more in the upcoming sequel.

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According to EW, during the 2022 Disney upfronts event, the studio premiered new Hocus Pocus 2 footage revealing the Sanderson sisters' return. The "rough-cut" footage shows two girls igniting the Black Flame candle, which ultimately summons Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. Midler's character exclaims, "Lock up your children! Yes, Salem, we're back!" The footage then launches into a musical number, featuring a cover of Elton John's song, "The Bitch Is Back." Billy Butcherson (Dough Jones), an unnamed character portrayed by Sam Richardson, and the mayor of Salem (Tony Hale) also all appear in the teaser.

The Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus 2

While specifics of the Hocus Pocus 2 plot are still not confirmed, the story takes place 29 years after the original Hocus Pocus. The sequel will also center on three high school students who must stop the Sanderson sisters as they wreak havoc on present-day Salem. Disney did, however, confirm the Hocus Pocus 2 release date as September 30, 2022 on the Disney+ streaming service. Although Midler, Parker, and Najimy are reprising their roles, Thora Birch, who played the young Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus, will not be returning, and neither will several other characters from the original film.

Hocus Pocus 2 has been the subject of high anticipation ever since it was announced that Midler, Parker, and Najimy would be returning for the sequel. The footage screened at the Disney upfront event is only a taste of what's in store for Salem as the Sanderson sisters are brought back to life, as was teased at the end of the original movie. Whether or not the witches can be stopped as easily this time around will be revealed when Hocus Pocus 2 releases this fall.

Next: Hocus Pocus 2 Theory: The Villain Is The 4th Sanderson Sister

Source: EW