Halloween is almost here, and to celebrate the scary occasion, Disney will be sendingHocus Pocusback to the big screen. Audiences will be able to dive deep into this classic starting on October 18. It was also recently announced thatThe Nightmare Before Christmaswill be making its grand return to theaters in time for the spooky season. The Sanderson sisters will come back from the dead to haunt Salem, Massachusetts and viewers can have plenty of fun with the beloved comedy directed byKenny Ortega.
Hocus Pocusfollows the story of the Sanderson sisters. Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) weren’t the most popular individuals in their community due to their magic. The town of Salem decides to execute them for their crimes, but not before the witches invoke a curse that could bring them back to life under the right circumstances. Max Dennison (Omri Katz) inadvertently brings the witches to the present three centuries later, setting the stage for the classic Halloween comedy to deliver spooks and laughs.
WhileHocus Pocusdidn’t manage to become a box office hit during its original theatrical release, home media launches and cable runs have allowed the movie to become a cult classic. It’s common to see the movie back in theaters in time for Halloween. Luckily for fans of the story written byDavid Kirschner,Mick Garris,andNeil Cuthbert, Disney didn’t forget to continue the tradition.Hocus Pocuswill return to the big screen a week beforeVenom: The Last Dancecontinues to celebrate the spooky season.
The Success of ‘Hocus Pocus’ Brought a Sequel to Life
Disney took notice of the successHocus Pocushad in the years since it arrived in theaters for the first time. The studio decided to developHocus Pocus 2because of it.The sequel was released onDisney+two years ago. The premise of the new story follows yet another teenager who accidentally brings the witches back to life. This time, however, the teen, Becca (Whitney Peak), is tricked by a Sanderson fanatic, Gilbert (Sam Richardson),after he creates another Black Flame Candle. A third Black Flame Candle was revealed during a post-credit scene afterHocus Pocus 2, in case the studio ever wants Winifred, Sarah, and Mary to haunt the streets of Salem once again.
Hocus Pocuswill return to theaters in the United States on October 18. It’s available to stream now on Disney+. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates when tickets become available.
Hocus Pocus
Watch on Disney+
