The first trailer for the highly-anticipated Hocus Pocus 2 was released on June 28th, 2022. The trailer has many fans of the cult classic Hocus Pocus excited. These fans took to Reddit to share their thoughts on the new trailer for the sequel.

Many aspects are of interest to fans from the return of the Sanderson Sisters, the potential campiness, to the possibility of musical numbers. Time will tell whether this film will live up to the original. Right now, however, fans are enjoying speculating what the movie will possibly be like based on the trailer.

Binx Cameo?

Hocus Pocus 2 Black Cat

Redditor JuniorCaptain says, "Seeing the black cat has increased my hope for a Binx cameo. Like, yes, he earned his eternal rest in the last movie, but also, talking kitty! And the clip was super brief, but the sisters look great."

Related: Which Disney Cat Character Are You, Based On Your Zodiac Sign?

Although in the first film Binx was able to change back from a cat into a human ghost and ascend to the afterlife with his sister, perhaps in the sequel he either changes back into a cat voluntarily, or else he is called back against his will. There is also the possibility that this is a different victim of the witches under a similar curse as Binx was. It could also simply be a normal black cat in reference to Binx.

Sanderson Sisters Reveal

The Sanderson Sisters in the hocus pocus 2 trailer

Redditor nskalel says "I’m still skeptical about it all but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have biggest smile on my face at the shadow reveal and 'LOCK UP YOUR CHILDREN!! WE’RE BACK SALEM' "

The reveal of the Sanderson Sisters stands out as they are the three main cast members returning from the first movie that are featured in the trailer, and the main draw for fans. The trailer also shows the three witches being as over the top as in the first film, which is sure to give audiences the performances they are looking for with the Sanderson Sisters. In addition to the over-the-top performance, the fact that they say "Lock up your children!" hints at the danger the sisters pose as villains.

Increased Scariness

Melissa Escobedo as Izzy, Whitney Peak as Becca, and Lilia Buckingham as Cassie in Disney's live-action HOCUS POCUS 2

Redditor darkentriesx says "I don't think the first one had enough 'scary' but I don't think it was supposed to because it was catered more for a younger audience. Now that young audience has grown up and I hope they introduce some actually frightening elements as a result (though in a more subtle way so it retains the comedic nature of the first one)."

The original audience is older now, so the sequel could potentially grow up slightly with them by including scarier imagery and themes. Maybe the Sanderson Sisters will be a bigger, more dangerous threat this time. Perhaps there will be more frightening special effects and scares. There is also the possibility the three new protagonists Becca, Cassie, and Izzy will be in graver danger than the leads in the first movie.

Parent and Child Bonding

The Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus 2

Redditor icedChaiplz says, "My daughter and I LOVE Hocus Pocus. This comes out two weeks before our mother/daughter trip to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World, where the main stage show is Hocus Pocus. We are soooo stoked for this!!"

Related: 10 Best Horror Comedy Movies For The Whole Family

Now that fans of the first movie are adults, those that are parents or have younger relatives can share it. Many of the adult fans could have already shown their children the first film, allowing the younger generation to anticipate a sequel. While the Hocus Pocus films are slightly creepy they have many elements that appeal to adults and kids. The inclusion of well-known performers Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy and adult jokes appeal to grown-up fans, while the kids and teen protagonists, creepy imagery, talking cat, and adventures appeal to children.

Stand On Its Own

A still from the Hocus Pocus 2 trailer

Redditor Racket_the_Bard says "So far it doesn't seem like they're unable to escape their own nostalgia, which seems good. I was worried this would be a shameless jumble of 'D'you guys 'member how this character said/did this thing?!? Here's them doing it again!! Money please!' With nothing else to do, story-wise. Here's hoping!"

While Hocus Pocus 2 is a direct sequel to the original, it appears to focus more on a new trio of young protagonists in addition to the returning Sanderson Sisters. Having new leads opens the movie up to new storylines, rather than just lots of retreading the first movie. This way the sequel will feel more earned and have stronger staying power.

Campiness and Practical Effects

The cast of Hocus Pocus 2

According to Redditor Wiknetti, "I hope it has the original campiness and cheesiness to it. That’s what made it fun. I get a hint of it when the sisters make their appearance. Hopefully they have more practical effects too!"

Related: 10 Best Horror Movie Special And Practical Effects, According To Reddit

While the sequel will be more modern and should stand on its own, it looks like it could recapture the camp nature of the original - especially with the little glimpse of the Sanderson Sisters. The over-the-top dialogue and atmosphere were one of the most memorable aspects of the original. The original film often utilized practical effects such as the animatronic Binx the cat. It would be a good homage if some of the effects in the sequel are done in a similar method.

New Song

Hocus Pocus 2 musical number photo

Redditor codeverity says "Ngl I kinda hope that we get another iconic song out of this. 'Come Little Children' still gives me goosebumps."

The original Hocus Pocus featured the memorable villain songs  "Come Little Children" and "I Put A Spell on You." Potentially the sequel could include equally memorable musical numbers. Perhaps more characters will even be involved in the songs this time. There could be older pop songs similar to "I Put A Spell on You" as well as more original songs such as "Come Little Children."

Villains

new hocus pocus 2 photos

According to Redditor AliceTheMagicQueen "I love the original movie so much! The Sanderson Sisters deserve her big place in the Disney Villains club."

The Sanderson Sisters stand out with their over-the-top nature, while also still being genuinely frightening. They were silly with their fish-out-of-water antics and musical numbers, however, they also were threatening and willing to kill children. The Sanderson sisters share many qualities with other well-known popular Disney villains in this respect. Hopefully, the Sanderson Sisters will be just as memorable in the sequel.

Production and Release Date

Hocus Pocus 2 Filming Wrap Bette Midler

Redditor Gato1980  says "Ok this actually looks like they’ve put some money and production value into it. I though[sic] this was going some low-budget cash grab, but now I have some higher hopes. Quality looks good, especially hair and make-up. These ladies look great. I’ll definitely be watching. And thank goodness they’re releasing it at Halloween time, not the middle of July like the last time. That never made any sense to me."

The quality of the production of the sequel looks on par with the original Hocus PocusThe tone of the trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 mimics the tone of the first film and The Sanderson Sisters have hair and makeup that makes them appear similar; these aspects have fans excited. In addition, the first Hocus Pocus was released in the summer despite being set during Halloween. The September 30th release date makes slightly more sense.

Sequel Hype

The cast of Hocus Pocus 2

Redditor shadowdra126 says "I don’t care how long it’s been or how cheesy it is. I am hyped for this."

The original Hocus Pocus has a cult following with audiences who have a love how "cheesy" it is.  The original movie is often quoted by fans to this day and was often repeated on TV for many years, which has increased interest in it over time. As the original film was released 29 years ago, that gives the film time to grow an audience. The cult following for the first film is enough to build up lots of interest for the sequel.

Next: Hocus Pocus & 9 Other Cult Classic Halloween Films