‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Sets 2022 Release and ‘Ted Lasso’ Star Joins the Cast
Disney picked the right time for their latest spooky announcement. Hocus Pocus 2 officially has a release window for 2022, and the project is roping in a few other popular actors. The movie already confirmed it will feature witchy OGs Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the sinister Sanderson sisters. In honor of Halloween, Disney+ shared a bit of exciting news for the sequel.
Disney confirms fall 2022 release for ‘Hocus Pocus 2’
Without teasing a concrete date, Disney+ tweeted an announcement that Hocus Pocus 2 will fly in for fall 2022. Many fans already predicted the film would arrive during that time to take advantage of Halloween excitement.
The original Hocus Pocus is a frequent pick among viewers during the haunting holiday, and it’s perfect for all ages. If the sequel drops in October 2022, don’t be surprised.
In a May press release, Disney described teased that a new group of women cause the Sandersons’ return. But it’s not on purpose.
Singer/actress Bette Midler returns as Winifred Sanderson, with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy back as her sisters, Sarah and Mary, respectively. In Hocus Pocus 2, three young women accidentally bring the Sanderson Sisters back to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on the world.
Additionally, it’s rumored the black candle reappears in an occult shop, and one of the characters stumbles upon it. No word on whether the vacuum makes an illustrious and powerful return.
‘Ted Lasso’ star Hannah Waddingham joins ‘Hocus Pocus 2’
In a cool turn of events, Hocus Pocus 2 added several stars to the cast. One of them is Hannah Waddingham, who plays Rebecca Welton in the much-loved Ted Lasso series. She shared the news on Twitter.
Tony Hale, who’s known for his work in Veep and Arrested Development, joins her in the project. Sam Richardson — who’s been in both Veep and Ted Lasso — has also signed on for the sequel. Per Disney+’s tweet, Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, Belissa Escobedo, Doug Jones, Juju Brener, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Henderson, and Nina Kitchen are part of the Salem fun too.
‘Hocus Pocus 2’ script is ready
Rumors about a possible part 2 have been circulating since 1993. However, Parker affirmed her interest in reprising her role back in 2019, and Midler soon followed with her own enthusiastic confirmation. Adam Shankman was originally set to direct and confirmed that a Hocus Pocus 2 script was already complete.
Disney relayed that Anne Fletcher is taking over the directing reins from Shankman, who’s a friend. Shankman can only serve as an executive producer for Hocus Pocus because he’s currently tied up with Disenchanted. However, in the media release, Fletcher assures fans that the new movie is full of laughs.
“Now more than ever, people need to laugh. We should be laughing every day, and there is so much fun to be had with these three unbelievable women playing delicious characters from such a beloved film.” Fans of all generations can look forward to the Sanderson sisters brewing a cauldron of trouble on Disney+ in 2022.
