Hocus Pocus: 14 Behind-The-Scenes Facts

Hocus Pocus is a 1993 American Halloween comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega. The film stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches who are brought back to life by a teenage boy in Salem, Massachusetts. The film was released on July 16, 1993, by Walt Disney Pictures and received mixed reviews from critics but was generally praised for its humor and Midler's performance. Hocus Pocus was not a box office success upon its initial release but has since become a cult classic. In 2001, the Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry. On October 31, 2020, it was announced that a sequel is currently in development, with Adam Shankman set to direct.

The Halloween cult classic wasn't always a success. It was released as a flop in the middle of the summer of 1993. Since then, it has taken on a new life, becoming beloved by many generations of children. There's even a sequel in the works, tentatively scheduled for release in 2022…almost thirty years after the original. Until then, here are some facts to tide you over while you rewatch the original for the hundredth time.