Adam Shankman will direct Hocus Pocus 2 at Disney Plus, sources told Variety.
The film — a sequel to 1993’s cult hit Hocus Pocus which starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy — was written by Jen D’Angelo and produced by Lynn Harris.
Shankman is currently in pre-production on Disney’s Enchanted sequel, titled Disenchanted. It’s yet to be determined which film will be in the works first.
The original Hocus Pocus cast members are not attached to the sequel, but Disney is hopeful that they will become involved in some capacity. Sources say that ideally the trio of actresses will reprise their roles, rather than having to completely reboot the first film.
Hocus Pocus followed three witch sisters who, after having been cursed since 1693 in Salem, are inadvertently resurrected 300 years later by a boy whose family has moved from Los Angeles to Salem. However, as the witches try to acclimate to the 20th Century, they discover — to their horror — that Halloween has become a holiday.
The film was not a huge box office success, scoring just $39 million worldwide on a $28 million budget, but has since gained a cult following through the DVD market and syndication, especially during the month of October.
Disney+ UK launch date has been announced for March 24th.