Bette Midler Calls Much of the Hocus Pocus 3 Script Brilliant

Halloween is basically tapping on the window, which makes it the perfect time for a real update on Hocus Pocus 3. After Disney announced the third Sanderson sisters movie back in 2023 and then went quiet, one of the originals finally said something worth hearing.

Bette Midler says a script exists (and she likes it)

On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Bette Midler confirmed that a draft landed in her inbox and she is into it. Her words, not mine:

"They sent a script and a lot of it was brilliant."

"So, I got very excited, and now we're trying to figure out what it is and how it's going and where it's going to be and how much it's going to cost."

Translation: there is a draft, there is enthusiasm, but they are still sorting the story, the logistics, and the budget. Early days.

Where things stand right now

• It was officially announced in 2023 that Hocus Pocus 3 is happening with the core trio: Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy.
• As recently as July, Sarah Jessica Parker said there were no real developments beyond the cast wanting to make it happen. Now, with Bette seeing a draft, the project has at least moved to the 'active noodling' phase.
• The original Hocus Pocus is currently sitting at No. 4 among Disney Plus movies as spooky season ramps up, with more than a week to go before Halloween weekend — the kind of momentum that makes studio accountants smile.

Why the timing is interesting

Every October, Hocus Pocus and its sequel climb the streaming charts like clockwork. That seasonal bump is basically a free focus group telling Disney to get the broomsticks back in the air. But even a strong October can't replace a locked script, a shooting schedule, and a budget. So don't expect cameras to roll tomorrow — yet.

A quick refresher on the story so far

The 1993 original follows Max (Omri Katz), the new kid in Salem who accidentally resurrects the Sanderson sisters and throws the town into supernatural chaos. The follow-up, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), mirrors that setup with three teen girls bringing the witches back once more. Returning alongside a fresh younger cast, Doug Jones reprised Billy Butcherson — Winifred's very dead, very put-upon ex — shambling in with zombie flair.

So when might we see Hocus Pocus 3?

No plot to share yet, and no production start date. If the draft tightens up and they move quickly, sure, a Halloween-season release window makes sense. But until it actually goes in front of cameras, consider any date wishful thinking.

In the meantime, both Hocus Pocus movies are streaming on Disney Plus right now if you need your annual witchy rewatch.