The 'Hocus Pocus' Sequel Features a Lesbian Protagonist

Hocus Pocus came out 25 years ago this year (don’t feel bad, we feel old too). Although it wasn’t an immediate slam dunk at the box office, the film has gone on to become a massive cult classic, and now the story of three fabulously evil witches played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker running amok in Salem on Halloween night is a staple of the Halloween season!

And Disney has finally decided to grace us with a sequel!

This month, a novelization of the first movie and a written version of the sequel debuted, and not only does it sound wonderfully campy, and fun, but it’s also a lesbian love story! 

The sequel follows Poppy, the daughter of Max and Allison from the first film, who have settled in Salem and started a family of their own. Poppy is...not impressed by her parents superstitions. Much like Max when he was her age, she doesn’t put much stock in the folklore of the Sanderson sisters.

Until, of course, she doesn’t have much of an option.

Much like the first film, this movie is focusing on a trio of kids. Not only are both of Poppy's friends people of color, but her friend Isabella has Poppy caught in a spell of her own!

Here’s an excerpt, straight from Autostraddle’s review of the book: 

"Well, I wouldn’t miss it." Isabella gives me a smile that makes my stomach flip a little. "There’s no way I’d leave you hanging."

"It’s not fair that you’re so nice." I take another piece of pizza. "People aren’t supposed to be smart and popular and nice. What’s your weakness, Isabella Richards?"

Her smile flags a little, and for a second she looks mystified—but then it’s gone. "Halloween candy," she says, matter-of-factly, then grins and takes another sip of soda.

The adorable lesbian romance plays out as the kids fight again to protect Salem from the forces of evil. The book also features a bit more awareness of the world, soothing out the gap between a frivolous fun Halloween movie, and the actual real life tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials.

Little is known about the sequel, besides that it will be a made-for-TV movie on the Disney Channel. (It may, in fact, not even end up based on the book sequel!) It has even been kicked around that the new project may be some sort of remake, not featuring any of the original actors, something which is generally considered a mistake by...well, most everyone. Mick Garris, one of the original screenwriters, pointed out the obvious: "If they don't do that I think it would be a big mistake because all three of them are still so incredibly potent and powerful and great performers and who else can recreate those characters?"

And let's be real here: the lives of the Sanderson sisters REALLY come from those phenomenal, campy performances.

Either way, Disney’s doing this thing. So let’s hope for the best!