Hocus Pocus 2 Has Screened, See What People Are Saying About The Long-Awaited Disney Sequel

The Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus 2.
(Image credit: Disney+)

The time is finally upon us: Hocus Pocus 2 — the sequel fans have been wanting for nearly 30 years — is mere days away from making its release to those with a Disney+ subscription. The Sanderson Sisters are back, along with some additions to the Hocus Pocus universe, and while fans might be missing some of the original stars, it should also be exciting to see what actors like Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson and more can add to the franchise. There are some who have the answer to that too, as the film has screened, and people are taking to Twitter to share their first reactions to the long-awaited sequel. 

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker have reprised their iconic witchy roles, as the first trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 shows a new trio of protagonists lighting the black flame candle while trying to perform their own magic, thus summoning the dastardly sisters. Let’s take a look at the social media reactions, starting with CinemaBlend’s Mike Reyes. He tweets that this sequel is definitely worth the wait, as it is focused on providing fresh stories rather than simply replaying what worked the first time around: 

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As well as feeling fresh, as noted above, the movie also appears to pay homage to those who have made Hocus Pocus rewatches an annual fall event. Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky tweets that fans will love the callbacks, and should expect some tugging of the heartstrings as well: 

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For those looking forward to seeing Doug Jones’ return as Billy Butcherson, it sounds like Hocus Pocus 2 might delve more into his story. Check out what critic Ashley Saunders has to say:

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How many fans are ready for the Sanderson Sisters to “put a spell on you” again? Josh Jones said the sequel includes more great musical numbers: 

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Movie Gossip agrees that the soundtrack is “gorgeous,” and, like others who have screened the film, mentions they weren’t expecting the emotional notes: 

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Maggie Lovitt of Collider has great things to say about the cast additions, and says this sequel is as good as the original: 

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Josh Ryan of Fandom Wire says get ready for a new fall tradition, as the sequel finds the balance between keeping what endeared audiences to the first movie, while still evolving for viewers three decades later: 

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It sounds like those who have been excited for this one can go ahead and keep their hopes up, because the reactions to the screening are overwhelmingly positive. Hocus Pocus 2 is not scheduled for a theatrical release, so call up all your friends to organize a watch party on Disney+, as the movie will be available for streaming on Friday, September 30. Also be sure to check out our full list of upcoming Disney movies, along with all the upcoming horror movies coming up to feed your spooky season appetites. 

Heidi Venable
Content Producer

Heidi Venable is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend, a mom of two and a hard-core '90s kid. She started freelancing for CinemaBlend in 2020 and officially came on board in 2021. Her job entails writing news stories and TV reactions from some of her favorite prime-time shows like Grey's Anatomy and The Bachelor. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Journalism and worked in the newspaper industry for almost two decades in multiple roles including Sports Editor, Page Designer and Online Editor. Unprovoked, will quote Friends in any situation. Thrives on New Orleans Saints football, The West Wing and taco trucks.