Disney is giving it another go with a new iteration of their 1993 cult hit, Hocus Pocus. The Halloween season staple has a new take that is in the early stages of development at their upcoming streamer, Disney+.
The new concept will be written by TV writer-producer Jen D’Angelo (Happy Together, LA to Vegas, Workaholics) but what doesn’t seem to be known is if this will be a direct sequel or just a new take on the original film. Hocus Pocus originally starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy and Disney is holding out hope that all three will want to appear in some capacity.
This isn’t the first time that Disney has revisited the Hocus Pocus property. Two years ago, Disney Channel put a Hocus Pocus TV movie into development and it was to be written by Scarlett Lacey, with David Kirschner, a producer on the original movie, on board to executive produce. This version never got off the ground but the original plan was for it to feature a brand new cast.
The 1993 film, directed by Kenny Ortega, chronicles what happens when three villainous witches, played by Midler, Najimy, and Parker, are inadvertently resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts. The film was a modest hit upon release, grossing $39.5 million on a $28 million budget, but it has gone on to be a huge cult hit that is even more popular today.
