Hocus Pocus 2: Adam Shankman directing sequel for Disney+ streaming service

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

We've been following the progress of a sequel to the 1993 box office failured turned beloved Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (watch it HERE) for a while now, and even though there's still no word on when this project is going to go into production or when it will be released, it has taken another step forward. During yesterday's Disney Investor Day presentation, it was officially announced that Adam Shankman is directing Hocus Pocus 2, which will released exclusively through the Disney+ streaming service.

Writer/actor/stand up comedian Jen D'Angelo, best known for scripting multiple episodes of the show Workaholics, was hired to write Hocus Pocus 2 last year, while Shankman signed on to direct earlier this year.

A casting announcement has not been made, but it is known that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are keen to reprise the roles of the Sanderson sisters, Winifred, Sarah, and Mary.

Directed by Kenny Ortega from a screenplay credited to Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert (and based on story Garris crafted with David Kirschner), the first Hocus Pocus has the following synopsis: 

After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.

Shankman's previous directorial credits include The Wedding Planner, A Walk to Remember, Bringing Down the House, The Pacifier, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Hairspray, Bedtime Stories, Rock of Ages, and What Men Want.