What’s Filming: ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Is Making Magic in Rhode Island

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Calling all “Hocus Pocus” fans! We’ve got major news for you when it comes to the film’s new sequel. From filming updates to a recent Instagram shared by one of the Sanderson Sisters (the one and only Sarah Jessica Parker!), here's what's cooking for this highly-anticipated new feature. 

“Hocus Pocus 2” is taking over Rhode Island.

They put a spell on us the first time around, and now, the Sanderson Sisters are back! Filming is well underway for the upcoming Disney sequel to “Hocus Pocus,” with stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy returning as the sisterly coven. According to The DisInsider, filming was originally scheduled to begin this summer in Salem, Massachusetts, where the film actually takes place. However, due to scheduling conflicts director, Adam Shankman ended up leaving the project and Anne Fletcher stepped in to take over. Now filming has been taking place since Oct. 18 in a new home in Rhode Island. Per The Newport Daily News, it’s been a busy first couple of months shooting, too with multiple scenes being shot throughout Newport, such as a festival scene, a cemetery scene with Billy Butcherson (played by Doug Jones) in East Providence, and more.

Sarah Jessica Parker shared a teaser on her Instagram last week.  

The actual production has yet to share any first-look photos or videos of the Sanderson Sisters, but Sarah (both the Sanderson and Jessica Parker variety) herself gave a little sneak peek over the past week on Instagram heading into dance rehearsal with her co-sisters. “Dumplin'” director Fletcher will helm the highly anticipated sequel with “Happy Together” and “Workaholics” scribe Jen D’Angelo handling the script. Other cast members for the sequel will include Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, Whitney Peak, Froy Gutierrez, Lilia Buckingham, Dan Finnerty, Belissa Escobedo, and more. While not yet made public, the casting team for the sequel looks to be Mackey/Sandrich. “Hocus Pocus 2” is due out on Disney+ in 2022.

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