Hocus Pocus 2 isn't about to lose its magic.
The sequel, coming this fall to Disney, will pay homage to the first film, which put a spell on viewers nearly 30 years ago.
"How do you capture the nostalgia [for the original]?" director Anne Fletcher said in an interview with TV Guide. "Because that's what people love."
So, how will the sequel be loyal to the beloved cult classic, starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters? Fletcher said she looked back towards the story's beginning—the very beginning.
"We're giving the [origin story] to the witches," she explained. So far, fans have traveled back in time as far as the original's 1693 introduction, in which the Sanderson sisters drain the life force out of little girl Emily to make themselves young again.
While the myth will fill out some of the blanks in the Sandersons' story, the sequel will focus on three high school girls from Salem, Massachusetts who accidentally summon the sisters back to the present day. And yes, having three main characters (played by Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo and Lilia Buckingham) to parallel the Sanderson sisters was intentional.
"At the end of the day," Fletcher said, "this movie is about sisterhood."
The sequel's trailer, released June 28, gave a glimpse of this plot as well. The clip showed the high school trio readying themselves for Becca's 16th birthday—which happens to be the day a witch gets her powers. A chance candle lighting leads to the resurgence of our three favorite sisters—much to Salem's peril.
"Lock up your children," Midler's Winifred said. "Yes, Salem, we're back!"
Other sequel cast members include Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, Tony Hale, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones and Rupaul's Drag Race queens Ginger Minj, Kahmora Hall and Kornbread "The Snack" Jeté.
Hocus Pocus 2 will be available to stream on Disney+ on Sept. 30.