Hocus Pocus 2: release date, cast and everything you need to know about the haunting sequel

The Sanderson sisters have returned for Hocus Pocus 2, with Sarah Jessica Parker reprising her spot in the witchy coven on a mission to enact revenge on modern-day Salem. 

The much-anticipated sequel will debut on Disney+ on September 30, just a few weeks following the launch of Sarah Jessica's new wallpaper line. It's clearly a busy month for the 57-year-old actor.

It's been nearly 30 years since Hocus Pocus, the American comedy horror that gave 90s kids everywhere all the spooks with its terrifying plotline and creepy characters, entered the canon of must-see Halloween entertainment. 

Starring Sarah Jessica, Bette Middler and Kathy Najimy as the witchy Sanderson sisters, the 1993 film has gradually become a cult classic in recent years due to its regular screenings on the Disney channel in the months of September and October. It is now widely considered to be a crowd-pleasing Halloween flick, especially if you're looking for seasonal movies to watch with all the family. 

With so much love for the original Hocus Pocus, it's hardly a surprise a second installment was greenlit. In October 2019, a sequel was confirmed to be in the development stages – and by May 2021, it was announced that Sarah Jessica, Bette and Kathy would all reprise their roles as the magical trio. 

This week, the cast attended the official premiere of the flick, exciting fans about the upcoming release even further.

So whether you just want some fresh Halloween content or are a grown-up looking for reasons to subscribe to Disney+ read on. 

What is the original Hocus Pocus about? 

Hocus Pocus introduced audiences to the Sanderson sisters, three evil witches who had been executed in the Salem witch trials and were now returning from the dead after 300 years to seek revenge on the Massachusetts town. At the beginning of the film, the supernatural squad is accidentally freed by a teenager named Max, who must then embark on a mission to stop it from reigning terror over Salem and becoming immortal. 

Funnily enough, although audience members are wont to re-watch the film every single Halloween season, star Sarah Jessica recently revealed that she's only seen the original iteration of the movie once before.

"I've only seen the first movie once in my life," the actor said to Entertainment Weekly earlier this month. "I wasn't supposed to start shooting [Hocus Pocus 2 the day after re-watching the first], but there was a big weather issue so we changed the schedule, and I was on camera the next day. Of course, you're not alone; you're working with two other gifted comedians who are also recalling, remembering and figuring out: Who are we? What do we do? How do we work together? That came back strangely quick."

Alas, Sarah Jessica is clearly excited about the upcoming release of her new film and even brought along her family to the premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City. The actor's husband, Matthew Broderick, and their 13-year-old twin daughters Tabitha and Marion made a rare public appearance in support of Sarah Jessica, who looked great in a pair of Armani Privé pink pants and a floral top by the designer. The two actors are also parents to 19-year-old son James, who did not attend the premiere (he was, however, present at the premiere of his mother's TV show And Just Like That... back in December of 2021).

What is Hocus Pocus 2 about? 

Hocus Pocus 2 sees the three Sanderson sisters return to Salem after – spoilers alert  – narrowly escaping death in the first film. The sequel is slightly different from its predecessor, however, with the witches being conjured back to life by three teenage girls this time rather than an adolescent boy. (This also means Max, who was played by Omri Katz, will sadly not be in Hocus Pocus 2). 

Like Max, high school students Becca, Cassie, and Izzy will again invoke the villainous witches after lighting the same Black Flame Candle featured in the first film. The teenagers will be forced to put a stop to the Sandersons' destructive ways before they demolish the entire town of Salem. 

"Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world," reads the film's official synopsis.

Who is returning to the cast of Hocus Pocus 2? 

Sarah Jessica Parker has returned for Hocus Pocus 2 as Sarah Sanderson, the dimmest of the three sisters, much to the excitement of the original film's fanbase. 

Bette Middler and Kathy Ann Najimy have also reprised their former roles as Winnie Sanderson, the smartest sister, and the ever-loyal Mary Sanderson, respectively. Doug Jones, who played Winnie's ex-boyfriend Billy Butcherson in the original film, is another familiar face confirmed to appear in the sequel. 

Becca and Izzy, the characters responsible for lighting the Black Candle Flame, will be played by Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo. The two up-and-coming actresses will be joined by Lilia Buckingham as Cassie, who plays the teenage trio's third member. 

When will Hocus Pocus 2 be released? 

Hocus Pocus 2 will premiere on Disney Plus on Friday, September 30, 2022. The original Hocus Pocus is also available to watch now on a variety of streaming services, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and of course, Disney Plus. 

What time will Hocus Pocus 2 premiere on Disney+?

Set your calendars, folks: Hocus Pocus 2 will drop on Disney+ on September 30 at 3am EST/12am PT. We won't blame you for staying awake throughout the night to catch the flick as soon as it's released - we'll likely do the same ourselves!