Relive the Magic of Hocus Pocus After 30 Years With the Upcoming Hocus Pocus 2 Sequel

Reliving the Magic of Hocus Pocus After 30 Years

It's hard to believe it has been nearly 30 years since Disney first released the cult classic movie Hocus Pocus. After decades of fans begging for a sequel, their witchy wishes have finally been granted with the release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+. But why has this movie remained so popular over the years, and why are fans so excited for the sequel?

Hocus Pocus premiered in 1993, telling the story of the three wicked Sanderson sisters who are inadvertently resurrected on Halloween night by a teenager named Max. Max lit the Black Flame Candle, bringing back Winifred, Mary and Sarah from the dead. The trio of witches haven't lost their appetite for sucking the souls from children after all these years, and seek to remain immortal. It's up to Max, his sister Dani and friend Allison to stop the Sanderson sisters and save the children of Salem before sunrise.

While it wasn't a huge box office success at the time, repeated plays on the Disney Channel and home video releases introduced Hocus Pocus to new generations of fans. The movie became a beloved Halloween classic thanks to its perfect mix of comedy, drama, spookiness and spellbinding cast.

The Appeal of the Sanderson Sisters

At the heart of Hocus Pocus is the trio of Winifred, Mary and Sarah Sanderson, played brilliantly by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker. Midler chews the scenery as the dramatic and diabolical Winifred, while Najimy and Parker provide perfect comedic foils. Each actress has terrific chemistry with each other, allowing them to improvise many hilarious moments.

The costumes and makeup also contribute majorly to making the Sanderson sisters so iconic. Their 17th century dresses got an edgy upgrade, with Winifred's flaming red hair and eyebrows making her especially striking. And the decayed, undead look of their skin adds to the creepiness. Overall, the Sanderson sisters have a perfect blend of personalities and appearances that lend to their widespread popularity.

A Spooky Story with Heart

While Hocus Pocus is undeniably a Halloween movie, it has cross-generational appeal thanks to the heart at the story's core. Max is an average teen who feels out of place in his new town, while Dani is his adorable little sister coping with their family's recent move. Relatable family dynamics ground the supernatural story in reality.

We also get to see Max find the courage within himself to step up and save his sister and the town. The movie sends positive messages about bravery and believing in yourself. And the sisterly bond between the Sanderson witches, as dysfunctional as it is, also brings humanity to these otherwise dastardly characters.

Comedic Moments for All Ages

From the very first cauldron scene, Hocus Pocus establishes its clever brand of humor that makes it fun for the whole family. The witch sisters must adapt to the modern world, leading to plenty of fish-out-of-water comedy as they encounter newer inventions like cars and lighters. We get to laugh at their confusion over things like black flame candles being sold at the local store.

Plenty of funny scenes involve the kids too, like when they pretend to be tourists visiting the Sanderson museum. Max capturing Binx the cat in a bag also makes for a hilarious visual. And there are subtle adult jokes sprinkled in that go over kids' heads. Overall the comedy stands up remarkably well, keeping audiences of all ages entertained.

Memorable Musical Moments

The musical numbers in Hocus Pocus add to the fun, thanks to Bette Midler's storied singing career. Her rendition of "I Put a Spell on You" brings the movie to an energetic start during the opening credits. Later on, Winifred leads the sisters in a performance of "Come Little Children" to lure the children to their cottage.

Kathy Najimy also gets a funny song as Mary Sanderson, with "I Ain't Got No Body." Each musical sequence allows the cast to show off their creativity and talent. And Midler's final performance of "Witchy Woman" over the credits is a pitch-perfect send-off for her Winifred character.

What to Expect from Hocus Pocus 2

After years of speculation and rumors, Disney finally announced in 2019 that a Hocus Pocus sequel was officially in the works. Fans were elated at the chance to finally reunite with the Sanderson sisters after longing for their return each Halloween. Information about the plot and characters has been kept tightly under wraps, but here are a few key things we know so far about Hocus Pocus 2.

The Sanderson Sisters Return

The biggest news is that Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker will all be reprising their roles as the treacherous trio of Winifred, Mary and Sarah. It wouldn't truly feel like a sequel without the original actresses bringing these beloved witches back to life. Their inclusion alone has fans thrilled about what mischief and mayhem the sisters will cause this time.

A New Set of Kids

While Max, Dani and Allison were protagonists of the first movie, Hocus Pocus 2 will feature a fresh cast of young actors. The new storyline will focus on three girls - Becca, Cassie and Izzy - who light the Black Flame Candle in present day and inadvertently resurrect the Sanderson sisters. The three friends must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on Salem before midnight on Halloween.

Familiar Faces

In addition to the Sanderson sisters, two other cast members from the original film will be appearing. Doug Jones is returning as friendly zombie Billy Butcherson, Winifred's undead ex-lover. And Tony Hale will play the mayor of Salem, the son of the mayor from the first movie. It will be fun to see how these characters factor into the new story after all these years.

Tribute to Vinessa Shaw

Actress Vinessa Shaw played Allison in the 1993 film, but sadly passed away in 2018 at just 47 years old. The Hocus Pocus 2 producers have said that the sequel will contain a special tribute to honor Shaw and her role in the first movie. This is sure to be an emotional moment for fans when they see how the new film memorializes this talented actress.

Magical Mayhem

Based on the trailer that dropped in June, Hocus Pocus 2 will feature plenty of supernatural mischief and magic. We see the Sanderson sisters casting spells, flying on broomsticks, making potions and tormenting the townspeople. There are exciting glimpses of zombies rising, enchanted woods and bewitched Halloween decorations come to life. It seems the witches will be conjuring up even more creepy, spooky fun this time around.

While plot details are limited, the trailer confirms Hocus Pocus 2 will stay true to the spirit of the original. The Sets, costumes, music and cauldron scenes all invoke nostalgia. And the chemistry between the witchy sisters feels like no time has passed at all. We can't wait to see what hilarious havoc they'll wreak in the modern world!

Where to Watch Hocus Pocus 2

Hocus Pocus 2 will launch exclusively on Disney+ on September 30, 2022 - just in time for the Halloween season. Disney has found huge success with original content on its streaming service, so it's the ideal platform for the highly-anticipated sequel. The original Hocus Pocus movie is also available on Disney+ for fans wanting to re-watch before the new film's premiere.

Disney+ Subscription

To watch Hocus Pocus 2, you simply need an active subscription to Disney+. The service is available as a monthly plan for $7.99 per month, or can be pre-paid annually for $79.99 per year. There is also a bundle package with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for $13.99/month. As long as you maintain an active Disney+ subscription, you'll be able to stream Hocus Pocus 2 as soon as it drops on September 30th.

Free Trial Eligibility

For new subscribers, Disney+ offers a 7-day free trial so you can test the service before committing. As long as you sign up on September 23rd or after, your free trial will cover you through Hocus Pocus 2's release date. This is a great way to watch the new movie for free. Just be sure to cancel within the 7 days if you don't want to keep Disney+ long term.

Group Viewing Options

Disney+ allows you to create up to 7 profiles per account. This makes it easy for families or groups of friends to share one subscription. Each person can have their own profile, recommendations, watch history and viewing preferences. So get your whole family or Halloween crew together to watch Hocus Pocus 2 the night it comes out!

Release Date for Hocus Pocus 2 Merchandise

Along with the movie, new Hocus Pocus merch is already hitting store shelves just in time for Halloween season. Clothing, accessories, home goods and other products let fans showcase their love of the Sanderson sisters.

Spirit Halloween

For Halloween costume needs, Spirit has released official Hocus Pocus 2 women's costumes for 2022. You can channel Winifred, Mary or Sarah, complete with signature wigs and props. Accessories and makeup can complete the iconic looks. Spirit also has Hocus Pocus home decor like outdoor inflatables, baking pans, witch hats and more.

BoxLunch

BoxLunch has an entire Hocus Pocus collection with t-shirts, lounge pants, notebooks, enamel pins, funko pops and other unique gifts. Whether you want subtle nods to the movie or full Sanderson sisters outfits, you'll find stylish apparel options for all fans.

ShopDisney

Disney's official merchandise site ShopDisney has Hocus Pocus clothes, mugs, bags, costumes and various collectibles. Highlights include the talking Winifred Sanderson doll, a Sanderson sisters spiritual candles 3-pack, and a Hocus Pocus advent calendar full of mini surprises. They also have tons of fun prints to show off your Hocus Pocus love.

Box of Brothers Baking Molds

These silicone baking molds from Box of Brothers on Etsy let you make Hocus Pocus-themed treats for your Halloween party. Options include a hanging Sanderson sisters mold for cake pops, cupcake toppers and 3D ice cube tray sets. They're perfect for a movie night or to give baked goods an extra spooky twist.

Hosting a Hocus Pocus Premiere Party

Watching Hocus Pocus 2 with friends? Host an immersive premiere party to celebrate the Sanderson sisters' return! Here are some ideas for decor, snacks, activities and more to make it a wicked Halloween bash.

Decorations

Set the ambiance with Hocus Pocus decorations like string lights, fake cobwebs and autumn wreaths. Carve jack-o-lanterns to illuminate the exterior and line the walkway with luminaries. Hang witch silhouettes on the walls and set out Hocus Pocus Funko figurines. Don't forget to light your own black flame candle!

Costumes

Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite Hocus Pocus characters. Not only the Sanderson sisters, but also options like Max, Allison, Dani, Binx, Billy and other Salem townsfolk. Offer fun accessories like witch hats, capes, brooms and striped socks.

Food and Drinks

Serve up potluck dishes and cocktails inspired by the movie. Examples include Winifred's chilli, Sanderson sisters' chocolate cake, baked apples, spider cupcakes, and punch bowls with dry ice. Let guests fill their witches' cauldrons with popcorn, candy or chips.

Activities

Incorporate games and DIY stations to keep the fun going all night. Ideas include bobbing for apples, a Hocus Pocus scavenger hunt, trivia, costume contests, making dream catchers and candle/soap making. Screen the original movie first before watching the highly-anticipated sequel.

However you celebrate the return of Hocus Pocus, watching the sequel will be a nostalgic thrill and the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season. As Winifred Sanderson would say, "It's just a bunch of Hocus Pocus!" This long-awaited Disney movie is sure to entrance fans both new and old with bewitching fun for the whole family.

FAQs

When is Hocus Pocus 2 coming out?

Hocus Pocus 2 will be released on September 30, 2022, just in time for Halloween season. It will launch exclusively on the Disney+ streaming service.

Who is starring in the Hocus Pocus sequel?

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker will reprise their roles as the Sanderson sisters Winifred, Mary and Sarah. The movie will also feature new cast members playing a fresh set of kids who accidentally bring back the wicked witches.

Will "I Put a Spell on You" be in Hocus Pocus 2?

Fans certainly hope so! Bette Midler singing "I Put a Spell on You" over the opening credits is an iconic moment from the original. The trailer hints at musical numbers, so it seems likely Midler will reprise the song in some capacity.

How can I watch Hocus Pocus 2?

Hocus Pocus 2 will only be available on Disney's streaming service Disney+. You can access it there with a paid subscription starting September 30th. Sign up for a free trial around the release date to watch the sequel for free.

When will Hocus Pocus 2 merchandise be available?

Official Hocus Pocus 2 merchandise including costumes, home items, apparel and accessories is already available at major retailers like Spirit Halloween, BoxLunch, ShopDisney and more. Items will continue rolling out over the next couple months.