Given the success of Hocus Pocus 2 , Disney quickly announced that a Hocus Pocus 3 is in development. Bette Midler has stated publicly she would return "as long as I can still cackle." The sequel sets up a potential trilogy by revealing that Winifred’s book is not destroyed—it is merely waiting for a new witch to open it.
The sequel answers these through a magnificent flashback sequence set in 1653. We see a young Winifred, rejected by the puritanical town, receiving the Book (voiced by a delightfully spooky Hannah Waddingham) from the "Mother Witch." This backstory adds tragic texture to Winifred. We learn she wasn't born evil; she was forged by loneliness and rejection.
Verdict: Fun for a Halloween night with low expectations. Just don’t expect a masterpiece — expect a . 🧙♀️🍂 hocus.pocus 2
The film also introduces a brilliant twist: the villain is not necessarily the Sandersons, but rather the corrupt Mayor of Salem (played with gleeful vanity by Tony Hale), who wants to commodify witchcraft for tourism. This modern satire—mocking corporate greed and performative spirituality—elevates Hocus Pocus 2 beyond a simple retread.
Okay, hot take: Hocus Pocus 2 is pure, unapologetic — and I don’t hate it. Given the success of Hocus Pocus 2 ,
The return of the original trio was the primary draw for fans. Bette Midler, who has often cited Winifred Sanderson as her favorite role, led the charge for the sequel alongside Parker and Najimy.
Upon its release, Hocus Pocus 2 shattered records for Disney+. According to Nielsen, the film garnered over 2.7 billion minutes viewed in its first three days, making it the most-watched streaming film of 2022 at the time. It outperformed even Turning Red and Pinocchio . We see a young Winifred, rejected by the
While the original Hocus Pocus was a product of its time, the sequel promises to tackle some new themes and ideas. According to director Adam Wingard, the film will explore the consequences of the Sanderson Sisters' actions, as well as the power of female friendship and empowerment.
Hocus Pocus 2: A Spellbinding Report Released on 30 September 2022, Hocus Pocus 2