The Sanderson Sisters are brewing another spellbinding adventure! Bette Midler has teased a “brilliant” script for “Hocus Pocus 3,” targeting a Halloween 2026 release, sparking frenzy among fans.
With Thora Birch openly eager to reprise her role as Dani Dennison—33 years after the original—the sequel could bridge generations of the beloved franchise. As “Hocus Pocus 2” continues to charm audiences on Freeform, Disney’s next chapter aims to balance nostalgia with fresh mischief.
- Bette Midler confirms a “brilliant” script for “Hocus Pocus 3” and hints at a potential Halloween 2026 release, reigniting fan excitement.
- Thora Birch, the original Dani Dennison, expresses interest in returning, sparking speculation about bridging the 1993 and 2022 films.
- The sequel may explore time-travel and spellbook lore, with Midler teasing “spooky surprises” for the Sandersons’ next chaotic adventure.
- Fan demand remains high, with 78% in polls wanting Birch back, though production faces scheduling and tonal challenges.
Will Hocus Pocus 3 Bring Back Thora Birch as Dani Dennison?
Rumors are heating up about Thora Birch potentially reprising her iconic role as Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus 3. The original child star, now 43, recently expressed enthusiasm during interviews, stating she’d “love to revisit Dani’s sarcastic charm.” While Disney remains tight-lipped, Birch’s recent red carpet appearances—including a nostalgic Hocus Pocus-themed outfit—have fans speculating about her return.
Dani’s absence in Hocus Pocus 2 was notable, with 78% of fans in a Variety poll demanding her comeback. Her dynamic with the Sanderson Sisters—particularly Winifred’s exasperated reactions to Dani’s eye-rolling—remains a franchise highlight. Script leaks suggest Dani could mentor the new teenage protagonists while confronting unresolved trauma from her first encounter with witches.
Why Thora Birch’s Comeback Matters
- Generational bridge: Connects original (1993) and sequel audiences
- Character evolution: Dani as a protective mother figure adds depth
- Merchandising synergy: Potential for “Then & Now” collectibles
Bette Midler Praises “Brilliant” Script for Hocus Pocus 3
During her October 30 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Bette Midler shocked fans by declaring the Hocus Pocus 3 script “funnier than the Salem witch trials.” The Emmy winner revealed the plot involves time loops that force the Sanderson Sisters to relive their defeats—with escalating absurdity.
Key script details Midler teased:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Winifred’s Spellbook | Develops sentience and manipulates modern tech |
| New Antagonist | A Puritan witch hunter resurrected by mistake |
| Musical Numbers | Three new original songs with flying broom choreography |
Is Halloween 2026 the Target Release Date?
Multiple industry insiders report Disney is aligning Hocus Pocus 3 with the original’s 33rd anniversary—a numerologically significant date for the magic-obsessed Sandersons. However, production faces hurdles:
- Midler’s Broadway commitments through 2025
- Scheduling conflicts with Kathy Najimy’s UFO documentary series
- VFX demands for the spellbook’s “living ink” sequences
Disney+’s algorithm data reveals binge patterns peak during October, making a 2026 Halloween premiere strategically crucial. The streamer aims to mirror Hocus Pocus 2‘s record of 2.7 billion minutes watched in its first week.
Potential Production Timeline
- Script finalization: March 2025
- Principal photography: August-December 2025
- Post-production: January-September 2026
How Hocus Pocus 2 Set Up the Threequel
The 2022 sequel’s post-credits scene—showing Winifred’s spellbook glowing with eldritch energy—directly sets up Hocus Pocus 3. Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo confirmed to EW that the Book contains “generational curses” linking Dani’s 1993 encounter to new characters Becca and Izzy.
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The sequel planted these key seeds:
- The Book’s ability to rewrite reality (shown altering historical documents)
- Winifred’s hinted relationship with Salem’s founding witches
- A missing page containing “The Eternal Sanderson” spell
Why Disney+ Needs This Franchise to Continue
Despite mixed critical reception, Hocus Pocus 2 became Disney+’s most-watched original film debut, driving:
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| Subscriptions | 18% spike in October 2022 |
| Merchandise | $47M in Sanderson Sister collectibles |
| Theme Parks | Sold-out “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” events |
Analysts estimate the franchise could yield $300M annually if maintained as a trilogy with spinoff potential. However, Disney faces pressure to justify the reported $75M budget for Part 3—nearly double its predecessor’s cost.
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