Hocus Pocus 3 is in the works at Disney. Will it film in Rhode Island?
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Fans of the cult classic 'Hocus Pocus' can expect the magic and mischief to continue as the story is set to become a trilogy.
The film is in very early development, a source familiar with the project but not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY. The Providence Journal is part of the USA TODAY Network.
Last year, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy returned to play the iconic Sanderson sisters for "Hocus Pocus 2." Disney+ exclusively released the movie on the streaming platform, where it received 2.7 billion minutes of viewing from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, 2022.
The film was shot entirely in Rhode Island, with sets at the Cranston Street Armory, Chase Farm Park, La Salle Academy, Benefit Street, Washington Square in Newport and the East Providence Cemetery.
See Hocus Pocus 2 Rhode Island location: Here are the 6 places where they have filmed
Will Hocus Pocus 3 film in Rhode Island?
As of right now, the Rhode Island Film & TV Office has "no comment" on the news.
That being said, it's reasonable to hope the crew might return to Ocean State. While the movies are set in Salem, Rhode Island proved that it could double for the other New England location.
'Hocus Pocus 2' is streaming on Disney+ A look at RI's role.
What do we know about the third Hocus Pocus?
The announcement of a third movie might not come as a complete surprise, as the end of the sequel hints at a continuation of the tale of the Sanderson sisters. The credits end with a final teaser shot of a second Black Flame Candle, the very candle that brings the witches to life. "Hocus Pocus 2" writer Jen D'Angelo even teased a third movie in an interview with USA TODAY.
While further details have yet to be released, Walt Disney Pictures President Sean Bailey said in an interview with The New York Times that Disney has more than 50 movies in various stages of development and production. Nonetheless, for fans of the Sanderson sisters, it will be well worth the wait for more mischief.
What is Hocus Pocus about?
The 2022 film came almost two decades after the original movie, which introduces us to Winifred, Mary and Sarah, three witches killed in the Salem Witch Trials who come back to life to wreak havoc on the children of Salem one Halloween night.
The original film blends humor with campy horror and is now a cult classic.
Despite its current beloved status, "Hocus Pocus" opened to a dismal $8.1 million at the box office and was largely panned by critics (with a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes). The sequel did marginally better among reviewers, offering the same nostalgia and goofiness as the original, but left some fans disappointed.
Paul Edward Parker contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Hocus Pocus 3 is in development at Disney. A return to RI is uncertain
