Variety confirms that Disney+ is getting a long-awaited sequel to ’90s cult classic, Hocus Pocus. It was initially reported back in October that the sequel would be on its way, but there was still no word on director or casting at that time. Now, it’s confirmed that Adam Shankman will serve as the Hocus Pocus 2 director.
The film is written by Workaholics writer and co-producer Jen D’Angelo and will serve as a sequel to the film that starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. As the time of reporting, those original cast members are not attached to the sequel, but it’s said that Disney is hopeful. Variety’s sources say that they hope the trio will reprise their roles, rather than having a complete reboot.
Shankman is best known for directing 2007’s Hairspray and Step Up. He most recently helmed 2019’s What Men Want and is currently in pre-production on Disney’s Enchanted sequel, titled Disenchanted. There’s no word on if the Hocus Pocus sequel will take precedence over that project.
The 1993 fantasy comedy was directed by Kenny Ortega and saw Midler, Parker, and Najimy playing three witches who find themselves resurrected in present-day Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween. Although it wasn’t a hit at the box office, the film went on to earn cult status as a Halloween favorite.
Are you excited about the new Hocus Pocus movie? Would you like to see the original cast returning? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @FlickeringMyth…
