Disney's 1993 Halloween film Hocus Pocus is finally getting a sequel, and it only took 27 years and several failed attempts to make it happen. Hocus Pocus is a film about the Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches that are accidentally resurrected by a teenage boy on Halloween, and attempt to regain youth by sucking the souls of children. It starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and was directed by High School Musical director Kenny Ortega.
Although Hocus Pocus has since become a classic, the film was a critical failure when it premiered in 1993, only grossing around $40 million at the box office, and failed to connect with both critics and audiences. Despite that, subsequent rebroadcasts on Disney Channel and ABC Family as part of the 13 Nights of Halloween programming turned Hocus Pocus into a hit, and cemented its status as a quintessential Halloween movie. All three main actresses have publicly confirmed that they would return for a sequel as early as 2014 - so why did it take until now for it to happen?
Rumors of a Hocus Pocus sequel first started in 2014, when Tina Fey was reportedly developing an untitled witch project with Disney, which Deadline later confirmed was not related to Hocus Pocus. Bette Midler addressed the rumors, saying that, "I have canvassed the girls and they are willing to do it," and Hocus Pocus actor Doug Jones stated in 2016 that Disney was starting to consider the idea. Sarah Jessica Parker also stated her interest in reprising the role, and Hocus Pocus screenwriter Mick Garris stated in 2017 that he was working on a script for a sequel as a potential television movie for Disney Channel or Freeform (previously ABC Family) - although no project was ever confirmed.
So why is a Hocus Pocus sequel finally happening now? The biggest challenge that previous attempts faced is Disney focus on making blockbusters that promise a high box office return, and Hocus Pocus wasn't always a hit. When Hocus Pocus sequel rumors first started brewing in 2014, Disney wasn't yet in the business of revisiting and remaking their old movies, and had no evidence that a Hocus Pocus sequel would be a critical or commercial success. Following Cinderella, and the subsequent trend of Disney's live-action remakes, the studio has proved that their nostalgia-based model is a financially successful one. That makes this the perfect time for Disney to finally revisit Hocus Pocus.
Despite earlier attempts to get the project made, this is the first time that Disney has confirmed the development of a Hocus Pocus sequel. Although Hocus Pocus was released in 1993, it took 21 years for rumors of a sequel to start circulating - well after Hocus Pocus had shed its reputation as a critical failure and turned itself into a cult classic. The movie has had 27 years to build a devoted fan base, and the timing is finally right for Disney - so it's no surprise that the Disney+ original Hocus Pocus sequel is finally, officially happening.