Fans of the whimsical and spooky *Hocus Pocus* franchise were abuzz recently, thanks to a teaser poster for a supposed prequel series circulating online. This poster, showcasing younger versions of the infamous Sanderson sisters played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, set social media aflame with speculation about an impending Disney+ series.
However, it turns out the poster was a fake—an elaborate but ultimately fan-created piece. While this revelation may be disappointing to some, there’s plenty of reason to remain optimistic. The *Hocus Pocus* magic is far from over. Following the phenomenal success of *Hocus Pocus 2* in 2022—setting a Nielsen streaming record with 2.7 billion minutes viewed during its debut weekend (per Vanity Fair)—Disney has officially begun development on a third installment.
In a June 2023 interview with The New York Times, Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, confirmed that *Hocus Pocus 3* is indeed in the pipeline but remained tight-lipped on the details (read more about that announcement [here](https://thedirect.com/article/hocus-pocus-3-disney-announced)). Fans can also rejoice knowing that writer Jen D’Angelo and director Anne Fletcher from the second film are back at the helm for this magical continuation.
D’Angelo, while speaking with Entertainment Weekly in October 2023, revealed that the team is currently “in the story phase,” exploring various ideas and potential new characters. She hinted at the possibility of expanding Hannah Waddingham’s character, the enigmatic Mother Witch, introduced in the last sequel. “We have so many directions in which to go and so many new characters to explore,” she shared enthusiastically.
As the creators delve deeper into the *Hocus Pocus* universe, the anticipation builds. With the legacy of the Sanderson sisters at their fingertips, the possibilities for taking these beloved characters on new adventures seem endless. Given the colossal success of *Hocus Pocus 2*, it’s no surprise Disney is eager to keep the cauldron bubbling with fascinating tales.
So, while the rumor of a prequel remains just that—a rumor—the spellbinding world of *Hocus Pocus* continues to grow and thrive. What are your thoughts on the potential third film, and what would you like to see in its story? Share your excitement and ideas in the comments, and don’t forget to spread the word about this magical news!
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