Sanderson Sisters Spellbind Again: ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Officially in Early Development

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reunite as Disney eyes a theatrical third chapter

Disney has officially confirmed that ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ is in early development as of May 2026, with the original Sanderson sisters—Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—set to return. The project, overseen by Disney Live Action Studios, may mark a shift from streaming to a theatrical release. With a “brilliant” script circulating and the creative team beginning to take shape, fans might soon be chanting “amok, amok, amok” once more.

A Magical Return: Official Confirmation at Last

As of early May 2026, Disney has officially greenlit a third installment in the beloved Hocus Pocus franchise. Deadline broke the news that Hocus Pocus 3 is in early development at Disney Live Action Studios, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy confirmed to reprise their iconic roles as the Sanderson sisters . The announcement ends years of speculation following the cult status of the 1993 original and the surprise success of the 2022 Disney+ sequel.

From Streaming to the Big Screen: A Theatrical Twist

Unlike Hocus Pocus 2, which premiered exclusively on Disney+, the third installment may be destined for theaters. Multiple outlets—including Parade, ScreenCrush, and BroadwayWorld—report that Disney is considering theatrical distribution, marking a strategic pivot toward cinema . This shift aligns with the industry’s broader post‑streaming boom resurgence in theatrical releases .