Hocus Pocus TV movie will be a reimagining with a new cast

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Just yesterday, we shared a quote from an interview with Mick Garris in which he said he had heard that Disney was developing a TV sequel to the 1993 movie HOCUS POCUS, which he co-wrote. As it turns out, Garris was right that Disney is revisiting HOCUS POCUS for television, but he was wrong about it being a sequel. The Disney Channel has revealed that they are in "early stages of development" on a TV reimagining of the beloved film.

Scarlett Lacey is writing the script for the new HOCUS POCUS, which will be executive produced by David Kirschner. Kirschner produced the first HOCUS POCUS and also crafted the story with Garris.

That story: 

You're in for a devil of a time when three outlandishly wild witches return from 17th century Salem after they are accidentally conjured up by some unsuspecting pranksters! It's a night full of zany fun and comic chaos once the tricky 300-year-old trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth — but first they must get their act together and outwit three kids and a talking cat!

Garris also thought that Disney would be bringing back the original witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) for the project, saying it would be "a big mistake" if they didn't. Well… Disney is making that mistake. Since this is a reimagining, they will be recasting the roles of the three witches.

Original HOCUS POCUS director Kenny Ortega isn't expected to be back for this new take on the concept, either.