Yes, a third film is in development at Disney, and Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are reported to be returning as the Sanderson sisters. The project is still early in development, a theatrical release is under consideration, and no release date has been announced. Those are the confirmed points. Everything else about Hocus Pocus 3 is still open.
What is confirmed
The most recent reporting this article relies on is Variety’s May 7, 2026 story, which says Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in the works at Disney. Variety’s report describes the project as still in early development. Treat that as trade-reported project status rather than a formal release announcement, since no studio press release is cited with a date.
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Hocus Pocus | $21.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The same report names the three returning leads: Midler, Parker, and Najimy. Nothing in the reporting confirms other cast members, so any mention of additional returning or new actors should be treated as unverified.
Where the project stands
Development is at an early stage. Variety reports that Midler had read an early script draft the previous fall and that the conversations she took part in covered practical questions: what the film would be, where it would be released, and what it would cost. Those remarks describe a project that is still being shaped, not a locked script or an approved production plan.
#1 Best Overall
- Conjured up by some unsuspecting pranksters, a tricky trio of 300-year-old witches set out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth. But first, they must get their act together and outwit three kids and a talking cat.
Midler’s own comments in Variety’s coverage of her appearance on Watch What Happens Live were upbeat about the draft: she said the studio had sent a script and that a lot of it was brilliant. Parker, in an earlier Variety interview, said the film was being worked on and that she would follow Midler’s lead on whether she returned. Both are positive signals about enthusiasm, but neither is a production announcement.
Theatrical or Disney+? The release path is not decided
A theatrical release is being considered. That is not a final distribution decision, and the report does not settle where the film will ultimately appear.
Rank #2
- Factory sealed DVD
It is tempting to assume the platform from the sequel’s history. Hocus Pocus 2 debuted exclusively on Disney+ as a Disney+ Original on September 30, 2022, according to Disney’s press kit. That precedent is useful context, but it does not confirm where the third film will premiere. A theatrical plan would be a change from the last film’s path, and the reporting presents it as one option under discussion.
What is not known yet
- Release date: No year, season, or window has been reported.
- Filming or production start: No filming date or start of production has been reported.
- Story: No plot synopsis has been published. Theories about characters such as Mother Witch or Dani are speculation.
- Cast beyond the three leads: No additional cast has been confirmed.
- Final platform: Theatrical release is under consideration; no final decision has been announced.
If a source gives a specific date or a plot, check whether it cites an official Disney announcement. Trade reports and fan sites often publish details before a studio confirms them.
Rank #3
- Actors: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch
- Directors: Kenny Ortega
- Format: PAL, Blu-ray
- Language: English
- Subtitles: French, Latin
Franchise background
Disney’s film page lists the original Hocus Pocus with a release date of July 16, 1993, and identifies the Sanderson sisters’ performers among its cast. The 2022 sequel was the franchise’s return to screens after nearly three decades. Variety, citing Nielsen streaming data from 2022, reported that the sequel accumulated 2.7 billion minutes viewed in its opening weekend and became Disney+’s most-watched original film over its first three days on the service. That is historical performance from 2022, not a current ranking, and it does not measure anything about the third film’s prospects.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Watching the existing films in the meantime
Both existing films are available to watch now. Disney’s film page says the original Hocus Pocus is available on 4K Ultra HD, which is one option for owners who want a physical copy. Hocus Pocus 2 debuted exclusively on Disney+, so that service is the place to check for its current availability. Regional catalogs vary, so confirm availability in your country before planning a rewatch.
Bottom line on the sequel
A third Hocus Pocus film is in development at Disney, with the original three leads reported to return. Its release date, story, full cast, and platform remain undecided. Watch Disney’s official channels and reliable trade reporting for the next concrete change.
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