Disney Hocus Pocus Franchise Overview
Disney Hocus Pocus is a supernatural comedy franchise owned by The Walt Disney Company, with the original 1993 film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Sonnenfeld Productions. The sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, premiered on Disney+ in 2022 and was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Lonely Island Classics. The franchise centers on the Sanderson sisters, three witches resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts, and their clashes with a group of teenagers. The original film grossed around 44 million dollars in its initial domestic theatrical run, while Hocus Pocus 2 became one of the most-watched Disney+ original films in its debut period according to internal Disney reporting shared with partners such as Forbes. The Walt Disney Company, headquartered in Burbank, California, manages the franchise through its Parks, Experiences and Products segment alongside its Studio Entertainment divisions.
The franchise includes the original 1993 film, the 2022 sequel, and related merchandise, theme park appearances, and seasonal events at Disney parks. The films are rated PG by the MPA and are distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The franchise is classified under family fantasy and horror-comedy genres, with the primary narrative following the resurrection of Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson on Halloween night. The original screenplay was written by Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert, with the sequel screenplay credited to David Kirschner, Todd Berg, and Paul Harris Boardman. The franchise is cataloged under Disney intellectual property and is supported by cross-promotional campaigns tied to Halloween seasonal merchandise and park overlays.
Cast, Characters, and Creative Team
The original Disney Hocus Pocus film stars Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, with Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Doug Jones in central human roles. Hocus Pocus 2 features a new cast alongside returning actors, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles. The sequel introduces Becca and Izzy, played by Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo, alongside Tony Hale as the new villain, Gilbert. The original film was directed by Kenny Ortega, with the sequel directed by Anne Fletcher. The films feature music by John Debney and later composers, with the original soundtrack including the song "I Put a Spell on You" performed by Bette Midler.
The franchise has expanded through theme park experiences, including character meet-and-greets and seasonal shows at Disney parks such as the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. The Sanderson sisters appear in Halloween-themed events and fireworks shows, with their likenesses used in merchandise lines ranging from apparel to home decor. The characters are managed by Disney's intellectual property licensing teams, with third-party partners producing official licensed products. The franchise's visual design, including the sisters' black-and-white aesthetic and Salem setting, has become a recognizable template for Disney seasonal marketing campaigns. The creative teams behind the films have noted the influence of classic Hollywood horror-comedy on the franchise's tone and visual style.
Streaming, Availability, and Commercial Performance
Disney Hocus Pocus films are available for streaming on Disney+, with the original 1993 film and Hocus Pocus 2 listed in the platform's library as of the latest content updates. The franchise's streaming performance is measured by Disney+ subscriber engagement metrics and internal viewership data, which are not disclosed in full public financial reports but are referenced in earnings calls and partner reports. The original film periodically trends during the Halloween season, driving spikes in viewership and social media activity. Hocus Pocus 2 was positioned as a flagship Disney+ original title for the fall season, with marketing campaigns tied to the platform's broader push for seasonal content.
Disney's financial reports segment the franchise's revenue under studio