Two years after Disney announced that Hocus Pocus 3 was in development, Sarah Jessica Parker shares a disappointing update. The announcement came in June 2023, less than a year after Hocus Pocus 2 made its debut on Disney+, but there have not been any official updates since the initial news of the Disney Halloween movies becoming a trilogy.
On Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen, Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays the iconic witch Sarah Sanderson, was asked if she could share any updates since Disney has announced that the sequel was in development. Parker shared that the only Hocus Pocus 3 updates are that “we would like to do it” and “we’ve been having some conversations.” Check out her full response below:
No more developments other than we would like to do it. We would like to do it and we’ve been having some conversations.
What This Means For Hocus Pocus 3
Little Progress Has Been Made, But The Sequel Can Still Happen
Parker’s update indicates that there has been little to no development on Hocus Pocus 3 since Disney first confirmed the sequel in 2023. It is still in the very early stages of development since Parker and other individuals involved with the project are still only having conversations about it at this point.
While most Hocus Pocus 2 reviews agreed that the film could not live up to its predecessor, it still managed to be a mᴀssive streaming hit and was the most-watched movie of all time on Disney+ following its debut. With the first movie being a beloved Halloween classic and the second installment bringing in extensive viewership, it’s no surprise Disney wanted another sequel.
Disney’s desire to expand the franchise has not led to any movement forward, but Parker’s comments confirm that she and other members of Hocus Pocus 3‘s potential cast are still very interested in making the movie happen. With Disney and key cast members interested, the project now needs to bring in a director and other key creatives who can move development further along.
Our Take On Sarah Jessica Parker’s Comments
The Franchise Still Has A Future
Parker’s remarks indicate that Hocus Pocus 3 was announced without a story in mind and simply because of the second movie’s record-breaking viewership. Even though it was a streaming hit, the critical and general audience reception was lackluster, which makes it all the more important to get the story right this time.
Especially when considering the 29-year gap between the two previous films, Hocus Pocus 3 may still happen, but it will not in the near future.
The new movie also has to find a way to deal with the Sanderson sisters being destroyed at the end of Hocus Pocus 2, as a sequel is unlikely to happen without the trio. Especially when considering the 29-year gap between the two previous films, Hocus Pocus 3 may still happen, but it will not in the near future.
Source: Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen/YouTube
