You know, Halloween is right around the corner!

That means we can start looking forward to all things fun and spooky like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park. And that’s got us wanting to do a deep dive into a trio of sisters that have become Halloween favorites!

You guessed it! We’re talking about the magnificent Sanderson Sisters, who were featured in the 1993 film Hocus Pocus and its sequel Hocus Pocus 2. They are a trio of powerful witch sisters and the primary antagonists of the story. Their extraordinary magical abilities stem from a book of spells, which makes them the most formidable coven in existence.

In order to get a proper perspective of who they are, let’s dive into the movies we’ve seen them in.

Hocus Pocus

In the first film, set in 1693 Salem, Massachusetts, the Sanderson sisters, led by Winifred, devised a cunning plan to regain their youth and power. They lured a young girl named Emily Binx to their cottage in the woods, where they used a Life Potion to drain her life force. By consuming the life essence of children, the sisters hoped to rejuvenate themselves.

However, their sinister plot was thwarted when Emily’s older brother, Thackery, tried to save her but was transformed into a black cat. The townspeople intervened and hanged the witches, but not before they placed a curse upon Salem. Fast forward to 1993, when teenager Max Dennison accidentally resurrects the Sanderson sisters on Halloween night. With the help of his sister Dani and crush Allison, Max embarks on a quest to stop the witches from achieving immortality by consuming the life force of more children. Through clever tactics and the assistance of Thackery, they manage to defeat the Sanderson sisters and put an end to their reign of terror.

Hocus Pocus 2

Hocus Pocus 2 takes viewers on a time-traveling adventure, delving into the origin of the Sanderson sisters in 1653 Salem. Young Winifred Sanderson, along with her sisters Mary and Sarah, is banished from the town after defying the church’s authority.

They seek refuge in a forbidden forest and encounter Mother Witch, who gifts Winifred a powerful magic book on her sixteenth birthday. Mother Witch warns them against casting the dangerous spell known as the Magicae Maxima, which grants unimaginable power.

The story then jumps to 2022, where two Salem teenagers, Becca and Izzy, unwittingly resurrect the Sanderson sisters using a Black Flame Candle during a Halloween ritual. The sisters, led by Winifred, return with a vengeance and set out to cast the Magicae Maxima spell to exact revenge on Salem. Becca and Izzy, along with their estranged friend Cassie, must navigate a series of challenges and reunite to stop the sisters’ wicked plans. The sequel introduces new characters, such as Gilbert, a magic shop owner, and explores the evolving powers of the young protagonists as they confront the formidable Sanderson sisters once again.

Other appearances (TV):

The Sanderson Sisters made a special cameo appearance in an episode of The Owl House titled “Thanks to Them.” In a scene within Willow’s scrapbook, the three sisters can be seen on a TV screen as Willow, Luz, and Amity enjoy a movie night, watching Hocus Pocus together.

Did you spot it? Here, let’s zoom in and circle it.

Other appearances (Disney Parks):

The Sanderson Sisters have also cast their spell of enchantment upon Disney Parks, bringing a dose of wickedly delightful fun to audiences of all ages. One of their standout appearances is the sensational Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show, held exclusively during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This bewitching production puts the Sanderson sisters front and center as they whip up a potion-filled extravaganza that leaves guests spellbound. And they’re not alone in their mischievous antics! The performance includes Doctor Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Hades, Cruella De Vil, Captain Hook, Jafar, and Lady Tremaine, join forces to create a mesmerizing display of villainous talent.

Additionally, there has been a special meet and greet experience during the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park. Classic Disney characters don the roles of the Sanderson Sisters, allowing guests to interact and take photos with these iconic characters. Minnie Mouse takes on the role of Winifred Sanderson, Clarabelle Cow portrays Mary Sanderson, and Daisy Duck brings the mischievous Sarah Sanderson to life.

Trivia:

How about some some fascinating tidbits about the sisters? One interesting fact is that Winifred Sanderson, the fearless leader of the trio, was born in 1637. That means during the events of the first film in 1693, she was still a sassy and sprightly 56 years old! Talk about timeless beauty! It’s worth noting, though, that before they sucked the life out of poor Emily Binx, the sisters appeared as old hags. It seems their love for dark magic may have played a role in accelerating their aging process.

In the sequel, we learn that when they referred to “mother” in the first movie, they were talking about their Witch mother, not their biological one. It turns out that their relationships and actions were more in line with a coven of powerful witches than a traditional family dynamic. And guess what? The family tree just got even more interesting because the sequel also introduces their father. According to their lively conversation during a visit to a pharmacy, it turns out their dear old dad had a small apothecary in old Salem.

That’s all that we’ve got about the Sanderson Sisters. They really have cemented their status as iconic witch characters with their unique blend of wickedness, humor, and charm. The movie Hocus Pocus has basically become synonymous with the Halloween season, and their popularity has only grown over the years.

Whether it’s their mischievous schemes, their magical abilities, or their captivating on-screen presence, the Sanderson Sisters have become timeless characters that continue to enchant and resonate with audiences.

And in case you didn’t know, Hocus Pocus 3 is happening! We’ve had confirmation and even the director be announced. In the meantime, click the link below to learn about all the latest on Hocus Pocus 3 and stay tuned for more Disney news!

Click here to learn the latest about Hocus Pocus 3!

What are your thoughts about Hocus Pocus 3? Let us know in the comments below!