The Definitive Hocus Pocus 3 Cast List: Who Is Officially Returning And The Shocking Rumors You Need To Know
The cauldron is officially bubbling again! As of December 2025, Hocus Pocus 3 is not only greenlit but has reached a crucial stage in its development: the script is complete and is currently under review by its iconic stars. This highly anticipated threequel promises to continue the Halloween saga of the infamous Sanderson Sisters, with the latest production updates suggesting a fresh and unique direction for the beloved Disney franchise. Fans are clamoring for details on which familiar faces will return to Salem, and the news is both exciting and surprisingly concrete for the core trio.
The success of 2022’s Hocus Pocus 2, which broke streaming records on Disney+, made a third installment inevitable, solidifying the Sanderson Sisters' status as a perennial Halloween fixture. While filming has not yet begun, the most recent announcements focus squarely on the cast, separating the confirmed legends from the highly probable, fan-favorite returns. The biggest question remains: will the third movie finally unite all three generations of the franchise's stars?
The Immortal Trio: Complete Biographies of the Confirmed Returning Cast
The heart and soul of the Hocus Pocus franchise lies with the three wicked witches, the Sanderson Sisters. Without them, there is no story. Thankfully, the latest updates confirm that the original trio is on board, with the script written specifically for their return. Their involvement is the most solid piece of casting news available for the threequel, which is currently undergoing script revisions based on their feedback. Here is a brief look at the legendary actresses who will reprise their roles as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson.
- Bette Midler (Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson)
- Role in Franchise: The eldest, most powerful, and de facto leader of the Sanderson Sisters.
- Date of Birth: December 1, 1945
- Notable Works: The Rose (1979), Beaches (1988), The First Wives Club (1996), Gypsy (1993), Hello, Dolly! (Broadway Revival).
- Awards & Accolades: A four-time Grammy Award winner, two-time Academy Award nominee, three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, and a Tony Award winner, making her one of the few artists to win the "EGOT" (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) adjacent awards, often referred to as a "Triple Crown" winner.
- Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson)
- Role in Franchise: The youngest sister, known for her distinctive, high-pitched singing voice and ability to lure children.
- Date of Birth: March 25, 1965
- Notable Works: Sex and the City (1998–2004) and its sequels/spinoffs (And Just Like That...), Footloose (1984), Failure to Launch (2006).
- Awards & Accolades: Six Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards. Her role as Carrie Bradshaw revolutionized depictions of female relationships and fashion on television.
- Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson)
- Role in Franchise: The middle sister, characterized by her crooked mouth, penchant for sniffing out children, and loyal, if clumsy, nature.
- Date of Birth: February 6, 1957
- Notable Works: Sister Act (1992), voicing Peggy Hill in King of the Hill (1997–2010), Veronica's Closet (1997–2000), Wall-E (2008).
- Awards & Accolades: Known for her extensive work as an actress, director, and writer, particularly her feminist play The Kathy and Mo Show. She has been nominated for Annie Awards and a CableACE Award.
The New Generation: Will the Teen Witches Return?
One of the biggest successes of Hocus Pocus 2 was the introduction of a new, relatable generation of Salem teens who inadvertently brought the sisters back. The sequel’s ending left the door wide open for their return, particularly with Becca discovering her own magical lineage. While Disney has not yet issued an official press release confirming these actors, the narrative necessity and strong fan reception make their return highly probable.
The Highly Likely Returns from Hocus Pocus 2
The plot of Hocus Pocus 3 is expected to focus on the continuation of the magical legacy in Salem, which means the new coven is essential to the story. The following actors are widely rumored and expected to return to their roles as the young protagonists:
- Whitney Peak (Becca): Becca is the central new protagonist, who discovers she is a witch in the final moments of the second film. Her character is the key to the future of the franchise, and her return is virtually guaranteed to explore her newfound powers and the consequences of the sisters' latest demise.
- Belissa Escobedo (Izzy): As Becca's best friend and a vital part of the trio, Izzy’s return is necessary to maintain the group dynamic and provide the comedic and emotional grounding for Becca’s journey.
- Lilia Buckingham (Cassie): Cassie, the third member of the trio and daughter of the Mayor, is also expected to return. Her role provides a connection to the Salem community and the non-magical world, which is crucial for the film’s stakes.
The narrative arc set up by the sequel strongly suggests that the third film will be a true passing of the torch, focusing on Becca's training and her coven’s battle against a new magical threat, possibly one tied to the Mother Witch. This focus on a new generation of witches is a fresh approach that expands the topical authority of the Hocus Pocus universe beyond just the Sanderson Sisters.
The Biggest Casting Rumors: Original Stars and the Mother Witch
Beyond the core group, the casting speculation for Hocus Pocus 3 centers on two distinct groups: the beloved original cast from the 1993 film and a powerful new character introduced in the sequel. Fans are desperate to see these characters finally integrated into the main storyline.
Will the Original Hocus Pocus Stars Finally Return?
One of the biggest fan disappointments of Hocus Pocus 2 was the absence or limited cameo of the original 1993 protagonists. However, the door is wide open for their return in the threequel. The actors themselves have been vocal about their willingness to come back, which significantly increases the likelihood of a major reunion.
- Omri Katz (Max Dennison): Katz, who played the skeptical teenager Max, has publicly stated that he would "return if Disney asks." His involvement would provide a direct link to the first film and offer a compelling adult perspective on the return of the witches.
- Vinessa Shaw (Allison): The love interest and Max's partner in witch-hunting, Allison is a fan favorite. Shaw has also expressed her desire to reprise her role. Her character's knowledge of witchcraft could make her an invaluable ally to Becca's new coven.
- Thora Birch (Dani Dennison): Birch, who played Max’s younger sister Dani, was originally slated to return in Hocus Pocus 2 but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. The fact that a role was written for her suggests the creative team is eager to bring her back. Her return as an adult, perhaps with her own family, would be a major emotional payoff for long-time fans.
The inclusion of Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Thora Birch would not only satisfy fan curiosity but also enrich the film's topical authority by connecting all three eras of the franchise's lore. The potential for Max, Dani, and Allison to mentor Becca, Izzy, and Cassie is a narrative goldmine.
The Status of Hannah Waddingham as the Mother Witch
A major new entity introduced in Hocus Pocus 2 was the mysterious Mother Witch, played by Emmy-winner Hannah Waddingham. Her character's appearance in the flashback sequence, where she gives the young Sanderson Sisters the spellbook, was a pivotal moment in the franchise's lore.
The latest updates are highly promising for Waddingham's return. The Mother Witch's fate was left ambiguous, and screenwriter Jen D’Angelo has commented on the direction the production was taking, suggesting a possible return for the character. Waddingham herself has addressed the possibility of reprising her role, which would serve as a powerful new antagonist or a dark mentor figure for Becca. Her star power, following her success in Ted Lasso, would be a significant draw for the Disney+ sequel.
Production Status and What to Expect Next
The production timeline for Hocus Pocus 3 is currently centered on the script and pre-production. Bette Midler's confirmation that the script is "brilliant" and under review is the most recent and exciting update.
The film is expected to delve deeper into the magical world established in the sequel, particularly focusing on the origins of the witches' power and the future of magic in Salem. The inclusion of the original cast and the Mother Witch would elevate the film from a simple sequel to an essential piece of the Hocus Pocus mythology. Fans can expect further official casting announcements and a clearer production schedule once the script revisions are finalized and the core cast contracts are secured. The continued involvement of the original trio, however, ensures that the third film will capture the same nostalgic, spooky, and hilarious spirit that made the first two films beloved cult classics.
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