Hocus Pocus is a multimedia franchise owned by Disney and created by David Kirschner and Mick Garris. The franchise consists of films, books, games, toys, and theme park attractions based on the adventures of the Sanderson Sisters, three witches who are resurrected in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, and seek to drain the life force of children to restore their youth and power.
Film series[]
Hocus Pocus (1993)[]
- Main article: Hocus Pocus
The franchise began with the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters. The film was a moderate success at the box office but gained a cult following over the years due to its repeated airings on television during the Halloween season. The film also featured Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Thora Birch, and Doug Jones in supporting roles.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)[]
- Main article: Hocus Pocus 2
In 2022, Disney+ released a sequel film titled Hocus Pocus 2, written by Jen D'Angelo and directed by Anne Fletcher. The film reunites Midler, Parker, and Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters, who are summoned by a teenage aspiring witch named Becca and her friends in Salem. The film also featured new cast members such as Whitney Peak, Lil Rel Howery, Sam Richardson, Hannah Waddingham, and Doug Jones reprising his role as Billy Butcherson. The film was a huge hit on the streaming service, breaking records for viewership and receiving positive reviews from critics and fans.
Hocus Pocus 3 (TBA)[]
- Main article: Hocus Pocus 3
In June 2023, Disney announced that a third film titled Hocus Pocus 3 was in development, with D'Angelo returning as the writer and Midler, Parker, and Najimy expected to reprise their roles. The plot details of the third film have not been revealed yet.
Other media[]
In 2018, Disney released a sequel novelization titled Hocus Pocus & the All-New Sequel, written by A. W. Jantha. The novel retold the events of the first film and continued the story 25 years later, with Max Dennison and Allison's daughter Poppy accidentally bringing back the Sanderson Sisters on Halloween night. The novel introduced new characters and plot elements, such as a secret society of witches, a rival coven of warlocks, and a potential love interest for Poppy.
The franchise has also expanded into other media and merchandise over the years. In 2009, Disneyland introduced a Halloween fireworks show called Halloween Screams that featured the Sanderson Sisters as hosts. In 2015, Walt Disney World added a stage show called Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular that featured the Sanderson Sisters performing with other Disney villains. In 2022, Disney released a short film called Hocus Pocus As Told By Chibi that retold the first film in a cute animated style. In 2023, LEGO released a Hocus Pocus set that included mini-figures of the Sanderson Sisters and their house. The franchise has also inspired video games such as Disney Heroes: Battle Mode and Disney Magic Kingdoms, as well as various books, comics, toys, clothing, and accessories.
Reception[]
Hocus Pocus is widely regarded as one of the most popular and beloved Halloween franchises of all time. The franchise has been praised for its humor, charm, music, costumes, makeup, special effects, and performances by the lead actresses. It has also been credited for inspiring generations of fans to celebrate Halloween and embrace their inner witch.
