Bette Midler has given a promising update on the highly anticipated Hocus pocus 3.
The original film, which introduced fans to the mischievous Sanderson sisters, debuted in 1993 and gained a cult following over the years.
Nearly three decades later, Hocus pocus 2 premiered on Disney+ in 2022 and became an instant hit, prompting Disney to greenlight a third installment.
In June 2023, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey confirmed that the third film was officially in development.
Now, more than two years after the announcement, Midler has revealed on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that she has read a draft of the script for the upcoming film.
“Well, you know, they sent a script, and a lot of it was brilliant,” Midler said when asked about the status of the film. “So I got really excited.”
She also said that various production logistics are currently being worked out: “And now we’re trying to figure out what it is and where it’s going to be and how much it’s going to cost and all those logistics things.”
After its release, Hocus pocus 2 broke records for Disney+, drawing 2.7 billion minutes of viewers during its opening weekend. It became the sixth most streamed movie of 2022 with 5.7 billion minutes watched.
Midler, along with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, led the first two films as the iconic trio of witches. While Kenny Ortega directed the 1993 original, Anne Fletcher took the helm for the 2022 sequel and will return for the third film, with Jen D’Angelo returning as screenwriter.
With a “brilliant” script in hand, fans can look forward to more magic from the Sanderson sisters as development of Hocus Pocus 3 continues.
