Production on 'Hocus Pocus 2' begins, official cast revealed

It's a Halloween miracle: Production on "Hocus Pocus 2" is officially underway.

Disney announced Monday that the long-awaited sequel to the iconic 1993 movie "Hocus Pocus" has begun filming in Rhode Island, with stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy returning as Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson.

The film, which will arrive on Disney+ next fall, is directed by Anne Fletcher, director of "Step Up," "27 Dresses," "The Proposal" and "Hot Pursuit." Jen D'Angelo is writing the script.

"I am beyond thrilled to be involved in the sequel to a film that is as beloved as 'Hocus Pocus,'" Fletcher said in a press release. "Fans around the world have embraced these characters and have made this film a Halloween tradition whose popularity continues to grow, and how lucky am I to be back at Disney with these three extraordinarily talented ladies in the iconic roles they created, as well as our fabulous additions to the cast?"

Returning alongside Midler, Parker and Najimy from the original "Hocus Pocus" is Doug Jones, who returns as Billy Butcherson.

New additions to the cast include Whitney Peak (Becca), Lilia Buckingham (Cassie) and Belissa Escobedo (Izzy), three young women in present-day Salem who will come face-to-face with the Sanderson sisters.

Rounding out the list of new cast members are "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham, "Veep" alums Tony Hale and Sam Richardson, Juju Brener, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Paige Henderson and Nina Kitchen.

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