Fans who grew up loving the 1993 Halloween classic Hocus Pocus often ask, what happens in Hocus Pocus 2? Released on September 30, 2022, on Disney+, the sequel reunites the legendary Sanderson Sisters—Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy)—for another chaotic night in Salem.
Set nearly 30 years after the first film, Hocus Pocus 2 brings magic, mischief, and modern twists to a new generation of fans. The movie combines nostalgia with new characters, exploring themes of friendship, sisterhood, and self-discovery while keeping the signature humor and Halloween fun that made the original a cult favorite.
Table of Contents
Opening Scene: The Origin of the Sanderson Sisters
The film opens with a flashback to Salem in the 1600s, long before the events of the first movie. We meet young versions of the Sanderson Sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—played by Taylor Paige Henderson, Nina Kitchen, and Juju Journey Brener, respectively.
This origin story reveals how Winifred’s defiance against the town’s strict Puritan leaders led her and her sisters to the forbidden forest, where they met Mother Witch, played by Hannah Waddingham. Mother Witch gives them Book, the magical spellbook bound in human skin, and teaches them about their destiny as powerful witches.
This opening sequence establishes the emotional core of the story—sisterhood and loyalty—and gives context to how the Sandersons became the infamous trio we know today.
Present Day Salem: A New Generation of Teens
Jumping to modern-day Salem, we meet three new teenage friends:
- Becca (Whitney Peak) – A bright and curious high school student interested in witchcraft.
- Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) – Becca’s loyal best friend, always ready to join in her Halloween rituals.
- Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) – Their former friend, now distanced after starting to hang out with a new group.
Becca and Izzy have a tradition of celebrating Becca’s birthday (which coincides with Halloween) by visiting the woods and performing a small ritual. But this year’s celebration brings a dangerous surprise.
The Candle That Brings the Witches Back
Early in the film, Becca and Izzy visit The Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, now run by Gilbert (Sam Richardson). The shop is built in the same cottage where the Sanderson Sisters once lived—and it’s filled with witchy memorabilia.
Gilbert gives the girls a mysterious “Black Flame Candle,” telling them it’s just a novelty item. What they don’t realize is that the candle is real and can resurrect the Sanderson Sisters if lit by a virgin under a full moon.
That night, while celebrating in the woods, Becca and Izzy light the candle—and the Sanderson Sisters return once again, revived by the dark magic of the flame.
The Sanderson Sisters’ Return
When the sisters rise from the ground in their signature dramatic fashion, chaos quickly follows. Winifred immediately vows revenge on Salem and plans to make their immortality permanent. The witches are hilariously confused by modern life—mesmerized by automatic doors, skincare masks, and beauty lights—but it doesn’t take long for them to start brewing trouble.
Unlike in the first film, where the sisters hunted for children’s souls to regain youth, their goal in Hocus Pocus 2 is to perform a powerful spell known as the Magicae Maxima. This spell would make Winifred the most powerful witch of all time.
New Villains and Unexpected Allies
Becca and Izzy quickly realize they must stop the witches before they complete their spell. They team up with Gilbert, who has secretly known about the Sanderson legend for years. However, Gilbert unintentionally helps the sisters at first, as he feels indebted to them for inspiring his love of magic.
Meanwhile, the witches capture Cassie’s boyfriend and her father, Mayor Traske (Tony Hale), who happens to be a descendant of the Reverend Traske—the Puritan who once banished young Winifred. This discovery reignites the witches’ thirst for revenge against the Traske bloodline.
Winifred sends her sisters to find the mayor, leading to some of the film’s funniest moments—especially when Sarah and Mary get distracted by a Halloween carnival and interact with unsuspecting townsfolk who think they’re in costume.
The Heart of the Story: Sisterhood and Growth
One of the biggest differences between Hocus Pocus 2 and the 1993 original is its emotional tone. While the first movie focused on the witches as mischievous villains, the sequel gives them depth.
Throughout the film, the Sanderson Sisters’ bond is tested. Winifred’s obsession with ultimate power begins to cause tension with Sarah and Mary, who start to question whether magic is worth more than sisterhood.
At the same time, Becca and Izzy’s friendship mirrors that of the Sandersons, showing how strong relationships can endure change, forgiveness, and misunderstanding. Becca eventually discovers she has her own innate magical powers, suggesting that she is a natural witch.
The Final Battle: Magic, Loss, and Redemption
As the movie reaches its climax, the Sanderson Sisters complete the Magicae Maxima spell, granting Winifred immense power—but at a tragic cost. The spell requires the sacrifice of what she holds most dear: her sisters.
When Sarah and Mary begin to fade away, Winifred realizes too late that her love for them is stronger than any magic. In one of the film’s most emotional scenes, she begs Becca and her friends to undo the spell and reunite her with her sisters.
Becca, using her newfound powers and compassion, casts a reversal spell that sends Winifred to be with Sarah and Mary in the afterlife.
This bittersweet ending transforms Winifred’s story from pure villainy to one of redemption and love, giving closure to the Sanderson legacy.
Closing Scene and Post-Credits Moment
After the witches disappear, Becca, Izzy, and Cassie rekindle their friendship and walk home together under the full moon, their magical candles glowing in unison. The moment symbolizes a new generation of witches in Salem—one defined not by power, but by unity and understanding.
In the post-credits scene, we see Gilbert’s black cat wandering into the back of the Magic Shoppe, where another Black Flame Candle sits in a box labeled “BF Candle #2.” This hint teases that the witches’ story might not be completely over, leaving the door open for a potential Hocus Pocus 3.
Cast and Crew Highlights
- Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
- Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
- Whitney Peak as Becca
- Belissa Escobedo as Izzy
- Lilia Buckingham as Cassie
- Sam Richardson as Gilbert
- Tony Hale as Mayor Traske
- Hannah Waddingham as Mother Witch
Directed by Anne Fletcher, the film blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling. The musical score by John Debney and the return of iconic elements—like the Sandersons’ broom-flying antics—give longtime fans the perfect dose of Halloween magic.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Hocus Pocus 2 became one of Disney+’s most-watched premieres, drawing millions of viewers within its first weekend. Fans praised the performances of Midler, Parker, and Najimy for bringing the same spark that made the original so memorable.
Critics also noted the film’s balance between humor, heart, and Halloween spirit, making it a fitting follow-up to the beloved 1993 classic. The emotional ending, paired with the new generation of witches, has left fans eager to see where the story might go next.
Did you love the ending of Hocus Pocus 2 or wish the Sanderson Sisters had stayed longer? Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us if you’re ready for Hocus Pocus 3!