Hocus Pocus 3 has the opportunity to feature an Allison twist considered after the release of 1993’s Hocus Pocus. Vinessa Shaw played Allison Watts in Kenny Ortega’s horror-comedy that ended up becoming the ultimate Halloween cult classic. Despite being a vital character in the original movie centered on the Sanderson Sisters, Shaw did not return as part of Hocus Pocus 2‘s cast. Considering the franchise is just as popular as ever, Disney has its best chance to revisit an intriguing detail surrounding Allison’s arc.
In the original Hocus Pocus, Allison played a pivotal role by working alongside siblings Max (Omri Katz) and Dani Dennison (Thora Birch) in thwarting the Sanderson Sisters’ plan to take over Salem. In Hocus Pocus‘ ending, the trio of witches were defeated, but a future return seemed plausible. Since the movie’s popularity grew over time, it took nearly 30 years for Hocus Pocus 2 to happen, focusing on a new set of young characters who accidentally caused the return of Winnie, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson. Hocus Pocus 2‘s story followed a similar story, but the streaming success resulted in Hocus Pocus 3‘s confirmation, allowing for more original tie-ins.
Hocus Pocus 3 Can Include Allison’s Cut Witch Twist
One of the most popular fan theories to come from Hocus Pocus is that Allison is, in fact, a witch. Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega responded to the Allison theory, saying “Shaw’s portrayal leaned into witchy territory” in an interview with Entertainment Weekly and shared that he toyed with using the idea that Allison was a witch for a spinoff. The plan was scrapped, and the sequel wouldn’t come for decades. However, with Hocus Pocus 3 in the works, the upcoming sequel can fulfill Ortega’s spinoff plan by bringing Allison back as a witch. Hocus Pocus 2’s flashbacks already dove into the Sanderson Sister’s witch origins, and the sequel confirmed that one of the core new characters, Becca (Whitney Peak), is a natural witch.
By focusing so much on historical origins and the existence of other witches outside of the key trio, Hocus Pocus 3 has a fitting opportunity to tie in an original character like Allison by finally explaining that she was always a witch. The fun twist could pay off years of theories centered on Allison’s witchy vibes and character details, like her costumes and jewelry, which fueled the idea. There was also the tease when Winnie called Allison a “clever little white witch,” which could carry more meaning if Hocus Pocus 3 uses the cut spinoff plan.
Why Hocus Pocus 3 Needs More Original Characters
Aside from the Sanderson Sisters, played once again by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, the only other returning cast member for Hocus Pocus 3 was Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson. There were initially plans to include Thora Birch and her return as Dani, but it never came to fruition. Still, major members of the original cast expressed interest in returning for Hocus Pocus 2 and beyond, including Vinessa Shaw. Hocus Pocus 3 could greatly benefit from going back to the basics by incorporating more original characters.
The new characters in Hocus Pocus 2 were a highlight, especially with Becca’s witch twist, but it would make sense for a third movie to blend old and new for the third chapter in the franchise. Based on the nostalgia factor, the original Hocus Pocus cast and characters carry a special appeal. Their returns for Hocus Pocus 3 would grow the excitement for another movie as the mystery of their fates loomed large over the initial sequel. While brief cameos would probably suffice, using a twist like Allison’s witch identity would be even more thrilling for the franchise as a whole.
