How the Sanderson sisters returned to Salem nearly three decades after their first defeat

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Twenty-nine years after the Black Flame Candle first brought the Sanderson sisters back to life, a new generation of Salem teenagers accidentally resurrects them. This 2022 sequel explores the origins of the witches' power, the price of immortality, and the unexpected discovery that magic runs in modern bloodlines.

Released on Disney+ on September 30, 2022, Hocus Pocus 2 follows Becca and Izzy, two teenagers who inadvertently summon the Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—on Halloween night. The film delves into the trio's 17th-century past, revealing that they were gifted their enchanted book by the Mother Witch in 1653. This magic comes with a dangerous caveat: the Magicae Maxima spell, which promises absolute power, requires the user to sacrifice what they cherish most.

The narrative bridges the gap between the original 1993 film and the present day. While the sisters seek revenge against the descendants of the Reverend who banished them, the protagonists discover that Becca is a natural witch. The film culminates in a confrontation where the sisters must grapple with the consequences of their ambition. Ultimately, the story shifts from a tale of vengeance to one of sisterhood, as the protagonists use their own burgeoning powers to help Winifred reunite with her siblings in the afterlife.

The production of the sequel was a long-gestating project, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy expressing interest in returning for years before Disney officially greenlit the film in 2019. Directed by Anne Fletcher, the movie was filmed in Rhode Island and features a mix of returning cast members, such as Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson, and new additions like Sam Richardson and Hannah Waddingham. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film achieved significant streaming success, setting records for opening weekend viewership on Disney+.

The film's impact was immediate, with Nielsen Media Research reporting 2.725 billion minutes of streaming in its first few days. It outperformed previous Disney+ hits like Encanto and Frozen 2 in its opening window. Beyond the screen, the franchise continues to evolve, with a third film currently in development and the Sanderson sisters integrated into broader Disney media, including video games and seasonal events.

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