Full Breakdown
Bette Midler Provides Update on Hocus Pocus 3 Development
10/23/2025, 1:59:42 PM
Exciting Developments in Hocus Pocus 3
Bette Midler, known for her role as Winifred Sanderson in the beloved *Hocus Pocus* franchise, has recently shared her thoughts on the script for *Hocus Pocus 3*. During an appearance on *Watch What Happens Live* with Andy Cohen, Midler expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “They sent a script, and a lot of it was brilliant. So I got very excited.” She noted that the team is currently working on logistical details, including the film's direction and budget.
The *Hocus Pocus* franchise has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly after the release of *Hocus Pocus 2* in 2022, which broke streaming records on Disney+. The success of the sequel has prompted Disney to greenlight a third installment, with original cast members Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy expected to reprise their roles as the Sanderson sisters.
Key Figures and Creative Team
The creative team behind *Hocus Pocus 3* includes director Anne Fletcher, who helmed the second film, and writer Jen D’Angelo, who contributed to the screenplay of *Hocus Pocus 2*. Midler's excitement about the script indicates a positive trajectory for the project, although specific plot details remain undisclosed.
Anticipated Release Timeline
While no official release date has been announced, reports suggest that *Hocus Pocus 3* could be released by Halloween 2027. Filming is expected to commence in late 2025 or early 2026, as the production team works through the script and other logistical considerations.
Criticism and Fan Expectations
Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming film, fans have expressed mixed feelings about the previous sequel. Some viewers felt that *Hocus Pocus 2* did not capture the charm of the original 1993 film. Whitney Peak, who starred in the sequel, emphasized the importance of the Sanderson sisters in the franchise, stating, “It would be hard to create a third movie without the Sanderson Sisters, because it's their movie.”
Official Statements and Responses
Bette Midler's recent comments reflect a strong commitment to the project, as she noted the ongoing discussions about the film's direction and budget. She remarked, “Now we’re sort of 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 logistical things.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “They sent a script, and a lot of it was brilliant,” — Bette Midler, Actress
- “She said: "It would be hard to create a third movie without the Sanderson Sisters, because it's their movie.” — Whitney Peak, Actress
As fans eagerly await further updates, the combination of a strong creative team and the franchise's enduring popularity suggests that *Hocus Pocus 3* will be a highly anticipated addition to the Halloween cinematic landscape.