The original Sanderson Sisters return for Hocus Pocus 2

The original Sanderson Sisters — that is, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy — will return to their iconic roles in the sequel to 1993’s cult classic spooky comedy Hocus Pocus. The sequel is set for a fall 2022 release date on Disney Plus. The sequel was originally set to be directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), but due to scheduling conflicts, will now be helmed by Anne Fletcher (The Proposal) and will start production in the fall.

The first film, directed by none other than High School Musical’s Kenny Ortega, follows a teenage boy who accidentally summons three child-eating witches on Halloween night. The sequel appears to follow a similar set-up, except this time it’s three young women who summon the Sanderson Sisters in a new, modern world.

The original Hocus Pocus did not do well critically, but through home video and television broadcasting has achieved a cult status, making the once maligned movie a Halloween classic. In 2015, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular was introduced at Walt Disney World and in 2018, the city of Salem reported a huge surge of tourism centered around the movie’s 25th anniversary.