I can't believe it's been three years since Hocus Pocus 2 first cast its spell on us in 2022! 🎬✨ As a die-hard fan who grew up watching the original 1993 masterpiece, the news of the sequel back in 2020 had me squealing with joy. Fast forward to now, in 2025, and I still find myself rewatching those iconic scenes, especially Sarah Jessica Parker's stunning return as the ever-lustful Sarah Sanderson. The nostalgia is real, folks—seeing those behind-the-scenes snaps from the set in Rhode Island brought tears to my eyes, and it's incredible how the film has only grown in popularity since its release. Honestly, the Sanderson sisters' reunion felt like catching up with old friends, and Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Parker truly outdid themselves, proving that some magic never fades. 😍👯♀️

The Unforgettable Return of the Sanderson Sisters

Oh my gosh, where do I even begin? Remember that viral photo of Sarah Jessica Parker in full Sarah Sanderson mode? my-magical-journey-with-hocus-pocus-2-in-2025-image-0 It was shot during the big musical number for Hocus Pocus 2, and let me tell you, Parker looked absolutely ethereal with those flowing blonde locks and rosy regalia. Seriously, how did she manage to look exactly the same nearly 30 years later? Fans flooded social media with comments like 'She hasn't aged a day!' and 'Pure witchcraft!'—and I couldn't agree more. The costume design, led by Salvador Pérez Jr., stayed true to the original with subtle tweaks, like the webbed arm detailing on Sarah's outfit, making it both fresh and familiar. That doe-eyed expression Parker gave? Total perfection—it transported me straight back to 1993, but with a 2020s twist.

Now, let's talk about the powerhouse trio's comeback. Bette Midler as head witch Winnie, Kathy Najimy as the kooky Mary, and Parker as Sarah—they all confirmed their roles in 2020, and director Anne Fletcher (yep, from The Proposal!) helmed the project brilliantly. Production kicked off in fall 2021, and locals in Rhode Island were buzzing as the state transformed into Salem for filming. I remember sneaking peeks at fan-shared set photos on Instagram, and the energy was electric! Here's a quick breakdown of why their return was so epic:

  • Nostalgia Factor: In an era where everyone craves throwbacks, seeing these ladies back in action was pure gold. Their chemistry was off the charts! 🥰

  • Fan Reactions: Millions of us Pocus-ers worldwide rejoiced—it felt like a global Halloween party every time new footage dropped.

  • Longevity Secret: As the reference highlights, their performances in the original made them icons, and Hocus Pocus 2 built on that legacy flawlessly.

The Spellbinding Musical Moments

One of the biggest highlights for me was the musical number in Hocus Pocus 2. The original's 'I Put A Spell On You' scene was iconic, right? Well, Disney knew they had big shoes to fill, so they brought back the sisters for another song-and-dance extravaganza at a Halloween event. Bette Midler led the charge with a spooky rendition of Blondie's 'One Way Or Another'—talk about goosebumps! 🎤👻 I've lost count of how many times I've streamed that scene on Disney+ since 2022; it's become a staple in my annual Halloween playlist. The film's ability to blend campy humor with heartfelt moments is what made it a smash hit, grossing over $500 million worldwide by 2025—proof that good witchy fun never gets old.

But beyond the glitz, the sequel added layers to the sisters' story. Fans like me had been dying for more backstory on their relationships and motivations, and Hocus Pocus 2 delivered with nuanced character development. For instance:

Aspect Original (1993) Sequel (2022) Impact in 2025
Character Depth Fun hijinks Deeper bonds explored Made rewatches even more rewarding
Musical Numbers 'I Put A Spell On You' 'One Way Or Another' Viral TikTok trends still going strong
Costume Design Classic witchy looks Modernized with subtle details Inspired countless Halloween costumes

Reflecting on it now, the film's success in 2022 was no fluke—it tapped into our collective love for nostalgia while offering something new. And let's be real, seeing Midler, Najimy, and Parker run amuck again brought pure joy to my life. As a fan, I've joined online communities where we dissect every detail, and in 2025, Hocus Pocus 2 remains a cultural phenomenon, with merchandise flying off shelves and annual watch parties. If you haven't revisited it yet, do yourself a favor and dive back in—the magic is eternal! 🌟💫