Liam Hartwell
For nearly three decades, the original Hocus Pocus has bewitched audiences with its perfect blend of comedy, spook, and family-friendly magic. When Disney announced a sequel for Disney+, fans of the cult classic rejoiced—and their two biggest questions were the same: Will the Sanderson Sisters return? And what new faces would join them?
The cast of Hocus Pocus 2 did not disappoint. Not only did the beloved witches return to bring chaos back to Salem, but the new generation of actors also breathed fresh life into the story. With a strong mix of nostalgia and reinvention, the film created a new spellbinding experience for old fans and newcomers alike.
In this article, we’ll revisit who’s who in the Hocus Pocus cast for the sequel, dive into their careers, explore their performances, and uncover behind-the-scenes tidbits that shaped one of Disney’s most anticipated sequels.
A Look Back at the Original Hocus Pocus Cast
To understand the excitement of the sequel, we need to briefly revisit the Hocus Pocus cast from the 1993 film:
- Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
- Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
- Omri Katz as Max Dennison
- Thora Birch as Dani Dennison
- Vinessa Shaw as Allison
- Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson
With witty banter, iconic performances, and campy Halloween fun, the movie became a cult favorite—especially due to annual replays during the Halloween season.
Three decades later, Disney brought back the Sanderson magic and introduced a new cast for modern audiences.
The Sanderson Sisters Return
Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
It was almost unimaginable to picture Hocus Pocus 2 without the powerhouse that is Bette Midler. Reprising her role as Winifred, the eldest Sanderson Sister, Midler’s performance was filled with theatrical energy and cunning mischief.
Beyond Hocus Pocus, Bette Midler has had an illustrious career across music, Broadway, and film. Known for hits like Beaches and The First Wives Club, she brought her comedic timing and bombastic charm seamlessly back to Winifred.
For many fans, Midler’s return was the magical anchor—the nostalgic element that gave the sequel authenticity.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
Best remembered for her whimsical behavior and flirtatious persona, Sarah Jessica Parker slid effortlessly back into her role as Sarah Sanderson. Viewers adored her silly commentary, sing-song voice, and eccentric mannerisms.
Outside of Salem, Parker is world-renowned for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Her return as Sarah Sanderson reminded audiences of the versatile range she brings to her performances, shifting from fashion icon to bumbling witch with ease.
Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
Completing the witchy trio, Kathy Najimy reprised her role as Mary Sanderson. Known for her loyal yet comical character, Mary often played the mediator between her sisters. Fans delighted in her updated quirks, including her signature sideways smile and bumbling attempts to assist Winifred.
Najimy’s broader career includes standout roles in Sister Act, voice work in King of the Hill, and a variety of comedic performances. Her portrayal of Mary once again balanced humor with family appeal.
The Next Generation of Stars
While the Sanderson Sisters carried nostalgia, the cast of Hocus Pocus 2 introduced new characters that modernized the film and connected it with younger audiences.
Whitney Peak as Becca
Whitney Peak, known from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and HBO’s Gossip Girl reboot, starred as Becca, the central teen in Salem who unwittingly reawakens the Sanderson Sisters.
As the story’s protagonist, Becca symbolized the bridge between old myth and new empowerment. Her performance resonated with younger viewers while still honoring the spooky legacy of the original.
Belissa Escobedo as Izzy
Playing Becca’s loyal best friend, Belissa Escobedo infused the role of Izzy with warmth and relatability. Fans connected with her sincerity, comic timing, and support for Becca’s bravery.
Prior to the film, Escobedo appeared in works like Don’t Look Deeper and American Horror Stories. Hocus Pocus 2 cemented her as a rising star in Disney’s lineup.
Lilia Buckingham as Cassie Traske
As Cassie—Becca’s estranged friend and daughter of Salem’s mayor—Lilia Buckingham added another dimension to the teenage trio. Known as both a dancer and actress, Buckingham’s portrayal demonstrated the themes of reconciliation, friendship, and trust, aligning perfectly with Disney’s family-oriented storytelling.
Returning Fan Favorites
Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson
One surprise highlight for longtime fans was the return of Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson, Winifred’s undead ex-boyfriend. Jones, a master of physical acting under elaborate makeup, reprised Billy with humor and pathos.
Jones is also known for roles in The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Star Trek: Discovery. In Hocus Pocus 2, his comedic timing reminded fans why Billy remains a cult favorite.
Supporting Cast Highlights
The cast of Hocus Pocus 2 also included memorable performances from new supporting characters:
- Tony Hale as Mayor Traske – Hale, beloved for his role in Arrested Development and Veep, played a dual role as Salem’s mayor and his ancestor Reverend Traske. His comedic skills added charm while creating continuity with the town’s historic past.
- Sam Richardson as Gilbert – Playing the owner of the magic shop that reignites the Sanderson legend, Richardson brought wit and warmth. Richardson gained recognition from Veep and Detroiters, and his role cemented him as a standout in the sequel.
Why This Cast Worked So Well
The success of the sequel lies heavily in its casting choices. Disney managed to:
- Balance nostalgia with fresh talent, appealing to older audiences who loved the 1993 original and younger fans alike.
- Retain the campy, humorous tone while layering modern themes of identity, friendship, and empowerment.
- Provide star power with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy while giving rising stars like Whitney Peak fresh opportunities.
Cultural Impact of Hocus Pocus 2
Much like the original film, Hocus Pocus 2 plays during Halloween marathons and stream-heavy seasons. The cast helped the film become one of Disney+’s biggest successes in 2022. For fans, the real allure was seeing the Hocus Pocus cast reunite after decades and proving that their chemistry remained as potent as ever.
The sequel also reignited interest in pop culture merchandise: Halloween costumes, themed makeup, Sanderson Sister Funko Pops, and endless TikTok recreations. The film’s blend of nostalgia and novelty made it trend organically across platforms.
Behind the Scenes with the Cast
What set Hocus Pocus 2 apart wasn’t just onscreen magic but also the passion behind it. Interviews revealed that:
- Bette Midler herself pushed for a sequel, loving the energy of the role.
- Sarah Jessica Parker admitted that her daughters were thrilled to see her reprise Sarah Sanderson.
- Doug Jones revealed that modern prosthetics made Billy’s role more comfortable this time than in 1993.
- Newcomers like Whitney Peak spoke about balancing the expectations of joining such a beloved franchise while bringing something fresh.
Conclusion: Passing the Torch of Magic
The cast of Hocus Pocus 2 perfectly captured what fans wanted—a return to Salem’s magical chaos with characters old and new. For longtime fans, the film was a nostalgic treat, while for younger viewers, it offered fresh heroes to cheer for.
Disney’s careful blend of the original Hocus Pocus cast with a rising generation ensured that the Sanderson Sisters’ spell will live for decades more. By meeting audience expectations and creating a bridge across generations, the film reestablished itself as a Halloween classic in the making.
FAQs
1. Who are the main stars in the cast of Hocus Pocus 2?
The main stars include Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham, Doug Jones, Sam Richardson, and Tony Hale.
2. Did the original Hocus Pocus cast return for the sequel?
Yes, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and Doug Jones reprised their roles.
3. Who plays the new teenage characters in Cast of Hocus Pocus 2?
The new teen protagonists are Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham).
4. Where can I watch Cast of Hocus Pocus 2?
The film premiered on Disney+ and remains available for streaming.
5. Did Thora Birch or Omri Katz return in the sequel?
No, neither Thora Birch nor Omri Katz reprised their roles, though Birch was rumored to have had scheduling conflicts.
6. What makes the cast of Hocus Pocus 2 special?
The seamless blend of returning legends with rising stars created a well-balanced mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.
7. Is Hocus Pocus 2 worth watching for fans of the original?
Yes, the returning Sanderson Sisters deliver nostalgia, while new characters bring modern relevance, making it engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers.
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