Hocus Pocus 2 conjures up an official release date

Disney has officially conjured up a release date for the highly-anticipated sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, and it’s arriving right in time for the fall season to be enjoyed as a double feature with the popular 1993 original film.

Hocus Pocus 2 will hit Disney+ on September 30, 2022. The reveal was made during Disney’s upfronts presentation which also showcased some rough-cut footage from the sequel. Per Entertainment Weekly, the footage features two young girls lighting the Black Flame Candle, which summons the witches played by Better Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. When they’re summoned Midler exclaims, “Lock up your children! Yes, Salem, we’re back!”

A musical number was also featured which sees the trio launch into a cover of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back” as Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) and an unnamed character played by Sam Richardson also appear. Tony Hale also appears as the mayor of Salem in the clip.

The exact plot details on Hocus Pocus 2 are a bit slim but we do know that Thora Birch will not be reprising her role of Dani Dennison from the first film. Hannah Waddingham, an Emmy winner for Ted Lasso, is also featured in the film and the basics of the story seem to focus on three modern-day teens, played by Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo, and their attempt to stop the Sanderson sisters’ plot of revenge following their resurrection 29 years after the first movie.

The first Hocus Pocus is the very definition of a cult hit. Directed by Kenny Ortega and released in 1993, the film received mixed reviews upon release and was viewed as a box office failure by Disney. Despite a slim $28 million budget, the film’s $44.3 million domestic gross wasn’t enough given the marketing spend that Disney put into it. In fact, Disney reportedly lost $16.5 million on the movie during its theatrical run. The film’s misfortunes changed due to strong annual DVD sales over the years and yearly record-breaking showings on Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween. The movie is now a Halloween staple for fans and continues to grow in popularity.

Are YOU excited for Hocus Pocus 2 to finally have a release? The Sanderson Sisters are back for their next witching hour on September 30, 2022.