It was never going to take very long for images of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy to leak from the set of Hocus Pocus 2 once the actresses arrived on set to reprise their roles of Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson respectively. So it proved as on the same day that Disney dropped their official first look at the returning trio, a whole host of images and video from their 30 years-in-the-making return to the world of magic and witchcraft have already arrived online revealing the trio back in costume again. Hocus Pocus 2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated projects coming to Disney+ next Halloween, as fans have waited for a long time to see the Sandersons rise again to cause more spooky chaos as they attempt to cheat death and remain forever young.

Having been officially given the green light in 2020, fans were ecstatic at the news that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy would be back in the lead roles, and although none of the original young actors from the 1993 film have been asked to return, there will be one other familiar face in the form of Doug Jones who will reprise his role of zombie Billy Butcherson. The movie commenced filming over a month ago in Rhode Island, shooting in various locations around the state as well as on a purpose built 1600s village set, which we have virtually seen build from the ground up thanks to the insane amount of attention from local photographers and new outlets. Even with the movie attempting to hide, unsuccessfully, under the working title of Black Flame Candle - I mean who would have guessed - many have gathered to watch filming and not been disappointed by what they have seen and shared online.

The Instagram account @hocuspocusguide has spent the last 24 hours sharing numerous videos and images from the set, including pictures of the three female leads leaving the set in full Sanderson sisters costumes, even though various attempts were being made to hide them from snapping cameras. However, these days phones are much easier to whip out than a telephoto lens camera, and therefore we still get to see plenty in advance of any official footage, which will all come in good time.

The account has been keeping fans updated, and after months of endless shots of the fake village being erected in one of Rhode Island's parks, seeing these fleeting shots of the main cast is like throwing a raw steak for a lion. Fans have been waiting 28 years to see the Sandersons return, and without the advent of Disney+ and a need for "most wanted" content it is likely that this reunion would not have ever happened. However, as can be seen from the stunt videos and snaps, it is really happening, and by this time next year, the Black Flame Candle will have been reignited and the Sandersons will have brought another night of wicked chaos to the modern world.

While there have been few details about the sequel revealed, the synopsis released last month suggested that the film will stay pretty true to the original movie and follow a similar plotline as a group of youngsters attempt to thwart the efforts of the Sandersons to bring their evil ways to fruition. Hocus Pocus 2 will arrive on Disney+ in time for Halloween 2022.

Hocus Pocus 2 image
Disney