Hocus Pocus 2 is a 2022 Disney fantasy-comedy film and the long-awaited sequel to the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus. Directed by Anne Fletcher, it brings back the mischievous Sanderson Sisters for another night of magical chaos in modern-day Salem. The film mixes nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt themes of friendship and sisterhood.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Back to Salem
The film opens in Salem, 1653, where we meet young versions of the Sanderson sisters — Winifred, Sarah, and Mary. After being banished from their village for defying the church, they flee into the forbidden woods. There, they encounter the Mother Witch (played by Hannah Waddingham), who gifts them Book, their sentient spellbook, and warns them never to perform the Magicae Maxima spell — one that grants unlimited power at a terrible price.
Present Day: The New Coven
Fast forward to 2022, where two teenage best friends, Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), are modern-day witches who enjoy practicing magic for fun. On Becca’s sixteenth birthday, they visit the old Sanderson cottage—now turned into a witch-themed shop run by Gilbert (Sam Richardson). Gilbert gives Becca a black flame candle, claiming it’s just a souvenir.
Of course, it isn’t. Becca lights the candle during a ritual, unknowingly resurrecting the Sanderson Sisters once again.
The Sandersons Return
Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) burst back into the mortal world, ready to steal children’s souls to regain their youth. However, times have changed—modern technology, social media, and Walgreens confuse them hilariously. The sisters adapt quickly, though, determined to exact revenge on the descendants of Salem’s Reverend Trask, whose family wronged them centuries ago.
Gilbert’s Secret
It turns out Gilbert tricked Becca and Izzy into lighting the candle. He’s been obsessed with the Sanderson legend ever since he saw them fly over Salem as a child. Under duress, the sisters force Gilbert to gather ingredients for the Magicae Maxima spell — the ultimate spell of power.
Becca’s Awakening
As the night unfolds, Becca begins to discover that her connection to magic is real and powerful. Alongside Izzy, she tries to stop the sisters from casting the spell, all while trying to save their estranged friend, Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) — the mayor’s daughter and a descendant of the Trask family.
The Mayor’s Night of Chaos
The sisters mistake Cassie’s father, Mayor Trask, for the Reverend’s reincarnation and decide to curse him. In typical Hocus Pocus fashion, this results in a series of chaotic and comedic moments during Salem’s Halloween Festival, including a flashmob-style performance of “One Way or Another (Hocus Pocus 2 Version)” by the Sandersons.
Movie Ending
As the night reaches its climax, Winifred performs the Magicae Maxima spell, achieving godlike power. However, she soon realizes the tragic cost: the spell demands the sacrifice of what she loves most — her sisters. Sarah and Mary begin to dissolve before her eyes.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Winifred is devastated. She begs Becca to reverse the spell so she can be reunited with them. Becca, now fully aware of her powers as a witch, performs a counter-spell that sends Winifred to join her sisters in the afterlife.
In a heartfelt goodbye, Winifred thanks Becca for her kindness before fading away. Becca, Izzy, and Cassie stand together, forming a new coven of three, symbolizing the next generation of witches who use their powers for good.
The film ends with the girls walking off into the dawn, followed by their new familiar — a black cat named Cobweb — echoing the original film’s ending.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, there is a post-credits scene. In it, Gilbert’s cat Cobweb jumps onto a shelf in the magic shop, revealing a second Black Flame Candle inside a box labeled “BF Candle #2.” This strongly teases that the Sanderson magic might not be gone for good — setting up the potential for Hocus Pocus 3.
Type of Movie
Fantasy, Comedy, Family, and Halloween-themed Adventure. It’s light-hearted with nostalgic callbacks, fitting perfectly as a family-friendly Halloween movie.
Cast
- Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
- Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
- Whitney Peak as Becca
- Belissa Escobedo as Izzy
- Lilia Buckingham as Cassie
- Sam Richardson as Gilbert
- Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson
- Hannah Waddingham as The Mother Witch
- Tony Hale as Mayor Trask / Reverend Trask
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by John Debney, who also scored the original Hocus Pocus (1993). His return gives the film a familiar magical tone, blending whimsical orchestration with playful Halloween energy. The movie’s standout number is the Sandersons’ cover of “One Way or Another” by Blondie.
Filming Locations
Filming primarily took place in Rhode Island, including Providence, Newport, and Lincoln. These locations were chosen to recreate the New England aesthetic of Salem while offering more flexibility for large-scale sets and crowd scenes. The recreated “Salem village” set became a major attraction for locals during production.
Awards and Nominations
While Hocus Pocus 2 didn’t sweep major awards, it received nominations for its costumes and visual effects at family-oriented award shows. It was one of Disney+’s most-watched original films upon release, breaking streaming records during its debut weekend.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The cast reunited nearly 30 years after the original, with Bette Midler being the driving force behind the sequel.
- Filming was often interrupted by fans showing up in costume to watch scenes being shot.
- Doug Jones reprised his role as Billy Butcherson with the same prosthetics team from 1993.
- The actresses underwent weeks of movement coaching to replicate their iconic flying and walking styles.
- Sarah Jessica Parker found her original broom “flying” scene more terrifying than any in the sequel, joking that she now preferred the modern Roomba she rides in Hocus Pocus 2.
Inspirations and References
The sequel draws from the lore of the original Hocus Pocus but expands on the concept of sisterhood and witchcraft. It’s inspired by fan demand and the cultural resurgence of the original film through annual Halloween airings and social media fandoms. Thematically, it leans into empowerment and chosen family over pure camp comedy.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
A few deleted scenes include an extended musical number and an extra comedic scene of the Sandersons experimenting with online dating. The original script reportedly had a more ambiguous ending, leaving Winifred’s fate uncertain, but test audiences preferred the emotional closure shown in the final cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie loosely aligns with the novel “Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel” (2018), though it diverges significantly. In the book, Max and Allison’s daughter fights the Sandersons; in the film, an entirely new cast of teens takes the lead.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Sandersons’ resurrection in the woods — almost identical in tone to their original revival.
- The Walgreens scene where they mistake anti-aging creams for magical potions.
- Winifred’s emotional farewell as she sacrifices her power for her sisters.
Iconic Quotes
- Winifred: “Lock up your children! Yes, Salem, we’re back!”
- Mary: “I smell children… but they’re wearing deodorant now.”
- Sarah: “Amok! Amok! Amok!”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Sanderson cottage now being a shop mirrors the ending of the first film.
- A cameo appearance of the original film’s black cat statue can be spotted in the magic shop.
- The Roombas that the sisters use to fly replace their old vacuum cleaners — a modern tech twist.
- Book’s eye still moves independently, exactly as in the original film, maintaining continuity.
Trivia
- Bette Midler kept the original Sanderson costumes in her personal collection for decades.
- The film was initially planned for theatrical release but was moved to Disney+ due to the streaming boom.
- The cast and crew celebrated “Witch Day” on set, where everyone wore themed costumes.
Why Watch?
If you loved the original Hocus Pocus, this sequel offers a heartfelt dose of nostalgia wrapped in modern humor and themes of sisterhood. It’s a perfect Halloween watch for families, long-time fans, and newcomers who love light-hearted magic with a touch of mischief.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Proposal (2009)
- 27 Dresses (2008)
- Step Up (2006)
- Hot Pursuit (2015)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Witches (1990)
- Practical Magic (1998)
- The Addams Family (1991)
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- Halloweentown (1998)
