Disney Announces ‘Hocus Pocus 3′ Set in Salem, Massachusetts
It looks like fans of the Salem, Massachusetts-based Hocus Pocus franchise won’t have to wait as long for another sequel this time around. Disney president Sean Bailey recently told the New York Times that a movie is already in development.
As noted in Variety, the massive success of Hocus Pocus 2 opened the door for a trilogy, as it took home the largest opening weekend in streaming history and became the most-watched Disney+ original movie in the first three days of its release.
Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo appears to be back on board for HP3, and hinted that characters from the original who did not appear in the sequel may make their long-awaited returns.
However, one issue with the film’s development is just how long actual production could take to develop. D’Angelo, like all screenwriters, is currently on strike, meaning that no writing or rewriting can take place until the Writers Guild of America reaches an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
So, just get Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the rest of the cast on set and film what you can, right?
Not so fast. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, recently authorized a strike if they can’t reach an agreement with the AMPTP by the end of June. So, while Disney is planning to make another Hocus Pocus, there’s always the chance those plans change depending on what happens with the strike(s).
Released in 1993, the original follows three Salem witches who return after being summoned on Halloween. The original was cowritten by noted Stephen King adapter Mick Garris.