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5 Bewitching Facts About Hocus Pocus 2: The Record-Breaking Sequel And The Status Of Hocus Pocus 3

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The long-awaited return of the Sanderson Sisters was more than just a nostalgic trip; it was a record-shattering cultural phenomenon. Released almost 30 years after the original, Hocus Pocus 2 brought back the beloved trio—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson—for a new Halloween adventure in Salem, Massachusetts. As of the current date in December 2025, the film's success has not only cemented its place as a modern holiday classic but has also officially paved the way for a third installment, with a script already in the works and under review by the original cast.

The sequel, which premiered on Disney+, managed to exceed all expectations, setting a new benchmark for streaming success and proving the timeless appeal of the iconic witches. Fans and critics alike were captivated by the blend of familiar magic and new storylines, particularly the introduction of a new generation of teens tasked with stopping the coven once again. This deep dive explores the film’s massive impact, the full cast profile, the plot's resolution, and the most current news on Hocus Pocus 3.

The New Coven: A Complete Who's Who of the Hocus Pocus 2 Cast

The success of Hocus Pocus 2 hinged on the return of the original stars, but the sequel also introduced a compelling new trio of high school students who inadvertently summon the sisters. Here is a look at the essential cast members, both new and returning, who made the magic happen.

  • Bette Midler as Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson: The formidable, buck-toothed leader of the coven, Winifred’s theatrical flair and signature temper are the heart of the franchise. Midler’s return was met with universal praise, proving she is inseparable from the role.
  • Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson: The youngest and most air-headed of the sisters, Sarah is known for her siren-like singing and her catchphrase, "Amok! Amok! Amok!". Parker effortlessly slipped back into the character's whimsical, dark charm.
  • Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson: The middle sister, Mary, is instantly recognizable by her crooked mouth and her unique, sniffing method of tracking children. Najimy’s physical comedy was a highlight, even giving Mary a new, more modern mode of transport.
  • Whitney Peak as Becca: The film’s new protagonist, Becca is a high school student and aspiring witch who accidentally lights the Black Flame Candle. Peak is a rising star, previously known for her role as Zoya Lott in the *Gossip Girl* revival and Judith in *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina*.
  • Lilia Buckingham as Cassie Traske: The popular friend who is on the outs with Becca and Izzy. Buckingham is an American actress, dancer, and internet personality, who has also worked as an author and producer. She plays the daughter of the Mayor of Salem.
  • Belissa Escobedo as Izzy: Becca’s loyal best friend who helps her navigate the return of the witches.
  • Sam Richardson as Gilbert: The owner of the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe (which used to be the Sanderson cottage) and a superfan of the witches who tricks the teens into lighting the candle. Richardson is a popular comedian and actor known for roles in *Veep* and *Ted Lasso*.

Shattering Records: How Hocus Pocus 2 Became a Disney+ Phenomenon

The 2022 release of Hocus Pocus 2 was an unprecedented success for the streaming platform, confirming that the decades-long wait for a sequel was worth it for millions of fans. The movie didn't just perform well; it set a new industry benchmark.

The film broke the record for the biggest opening weekend for a streaming movie on Disney+. In its first weekend of release, Hocus Pocus 2 was viewed for over 2.73 billion minutes (2.725B) by audiences. This staggering number made it the most-streamed movie in a single week ever recorded by Nielsen at the time, even surpassing the massive viewership of Disney's *Encanto*.

Despite the overwhelming audience response, the critical reception was mixed. Some critics felt the film was "stuck" between different tones and audiences, struggling to recapture the original's cult magic while catering to a modern sensibility. However, the vast majority of fans were simply delighted to see the return of the Sanderson Sisters, with the performances of Midler, Parker, and Najimy being widely praised as hilarious and worth the 29-year wait.

The Ending Explained: Becca's New Power and the Spell of Reunion

The plot of Hocus Pocus 2 centers on the themes of friendship, sisterhood, and the nature of magic itself. The film’s climax provides a definitive, yet open-ended, conclusion for the witches.

After being tricked by Gilbert into lighting the new Black Flame Candle on Becca’s 16th birthday, the Sanderson Sisters return with the goal of casting the ultimate power spell—the Magicae Maxima—which will make them all-powerful. They seek a rare ingredient, the head of their old enemy, Billy Butcherson, and the blood of their enemy, which turns out to be the Mayor of Salem, Cassie Traske's father.

The twist comes when Becca realizes she is a natural-born witch herself. She and her friends use the sisters' own spellbook, which they call Book, against them. The final spell cast is the Spell of Reunion, a powerful and dangerous spell that unites the sisters but demands a heavy price: the life of the person they love most. Winifred, blinded by her desire for ultimate power, casts the spell.

The spell's tragic consequence is the disintegration of Mary and Sarah into dust. Realizing her mistake, a heartbroken Winifred begs the teens to use their power to bring her back to her sisters. Becca, Izzy, and Cassie, the new coven, agree to use the Spell of Reunion one last time. This act sends Winifred to rejoin Mary and Sarah, reuniting the three sisters in the afterlife and leaving Becca as the new, benevolent keeper of Book and the magic in Salem.

What's Next? The Latest Update on Hocus Pocus 3

The massive success of the sequel made a third film inevitable. Officially, Disney has already greenlit Hocus Pocus 3, and the latest news confirms that the project is moving forward with the original cast in mind.

In the most recent updates, series star Bette Midler provided a promising status report on the sequel. She confirmed that a script for Hocus Pocus 3 has been completed and is currently under review by the core team. Midler even described the script as “brilliant,” signaling her enthusiasm for returning to the role of Winifred Sanderson.

While the Sanderson Sisters famously turned to dust at the end of the second film, their return is highly anticipated. Given the magical nature of the franchise—and the fact that the Black Flame Candle has been lit twice—there are numerous ways the witches could be brought back for a third and final chapter. The film may focus on Becca's new coven attempting to navigate their powers or an entirely new method of summoning the sisters.

With the original cast expressing their willingness to return and a script ready for production, fans can remain optimistic that a third magical adventure in Salem is on the horizon. The legacy of Winifred, Mary, and Sarah is far from over, and the new generation of witches, led by Becca, is ready to continue the story.

hocus pocus 2
hocus pocus 2

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