The Definitive List Of Hocus Pocus Witch Names: Lore, Powers, And The Latest Hocus Pocus 3 Updates

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The enduring fascination with the three infamous witches from Salem, Massachusetts, has only grown since their accidental resurrection in 1993, and with the sequel and news of a third film, the lore is richer than ever. As of December 22, 2025, the names Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson are synonymous with Halloween magic, but their full story, unique powers, and the dark history behind their spells offer a deep dive into the world of black magic and eternal youth.

This article provides a definitive breakdown of the Sanderson Sisters, including the full biographies of the iconic actresses who bring them to life, the forgotten characters who shaped their dark history, and the most current information regarding the highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 3.

The Sanderson Sisters: Full Names and The Iconic Actresses’ Biographies

The three sisters—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah—are the central figures in the Hocus Pocus franchise, each possessing a distinct personality and unique magical ability that contributes to their formidable coven. Their full names are a key part of the lore.

  • Winifred Sanderson: The eldest, most intelligent, and most powerful of the trio. She is the leader and the mastermind behind their schemes for eternal youth.
  • Mary Sanderson: The middle sister, known for her distinctive, crooked hairstyle and her dog-like sniffing ability to track children. She is the most subservient to Winifred.
  • Sarah Sanderson: The youngest sister, known for her beautiful, captivating singing voice, which she uses as a Siren Song to lure children to their cottage. She is the most air-headed and boy-crazy of the three.

Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson)

Bette Midler, born December 1, 1945, is an American singer, actress, comedian, and producer, often referred to as "The Divine Miss M." Her career spans over five decades, earning her numerous accolades including four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and an honorary Tony Award. Beyond her iconic role as Winnie, she is celebrated for her work in films like The Rose (1979) and Beaches (1988), and her extensive Broadway career. Midler's recent work includes her continued advocacy for environmental causes through the New York Restoration Project, and, most importantly, her enthusiasm for the development of Hocus Pocus 3, ensuring the return of the original coven is a high priority.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson)

Sarah Jessica Parker, born March 25, 1965, is an American actress and producer who rose to global stardom as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series Sex and the City, a role for which she won two Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Prior to her career-defining role, she appeared in films like Footloose and, of course, Hocus Pocus. In recent years, SJP has continued her role in the Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That..., and has maintained a successful career as an entrepreneur with her own line of fragrances and shoes.

Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson)

Kathy Najimy, born February 6, 1957, is an American actress, comedian, writer, and activist. She first gained national recognition for her feminist play The Kathy and Mo Show, which she co-wrote and performed. Najimy is a versatile performer known for her memorable roles in over 25 films and 100 television projects, including her long-running voice role as Peggy Hill on the animated series King of the Hill. An outspoken activist, Najimy frequently lends her support to women's rights and various social justice causes.

The Dark Lore: Spells, Powers, and The Black Flame Candle

The Sanderson Sisters’ magic is rooted in centuries-old black magic, necromancy, and alchemy, all detailed within their terrifying Spellbook, often referred to as the Manual of Witchcraft. The primary goal of their sorcery is to achieve immortality by draining the life force of children.

The foundation of their power lies in the Black Flame Candle. This magical artifact, made from the fat of a hanged man, can only be lit by a virgin on Halloween night during a full moon, triggering the sisters' resurrection.

Three Signature Spells of the Sanderson Sisters

While their magic is vast, a few key spells are crucial to the films' plot and their dark history:

1. The Life Potion (The Youth Potion)

This is the most infamous and central spell. The potion, which includes ingredients like a "dead man's toe" and "oil of boil," is consumed by a child to steal their life force, restoring the sisters' youth and power. The spell is what leads to the death of Thackery Binx’s little sister, Emily, in 1693.

2. The Magicae Maxima (The Power Spell)

Introduced in Hocus Pocus 2, this is the most powerful and forbidden spell in the Manual of Witchcraft. The Mother Witch (played by Hannah Waddingham) warns young Winifred never to cast it. The spell grants "absolute power" but requires a sacrifice—the caster must give up what they love most. In the sequel, this spell is what ultimately leads to the sisters' final downfall.

3. Sarah’s Siren Song

Sarah's most potent power is her hypnotic, beautiful singing voice, which she uses as a Siren Song. The incantation, "Come little children, I'll take thee away," compels children to walk in a trance to the sisters' cottage, making it easy for them to become victims of the Life Potion.

Beyond the Coven: Key Entities and The Hocus Pocus 3 Outlook

The lore of Hocus Pocus is enriched by a supporting cast of characters and historical entities that are essential to the sisters' story and the topical authority of the franchise.

The Supporting Lore Entities

  • Thackery Binx: A 17th-century teenager who attempts to save his sister, Emily Binx, from the sisters. Winifred transforms him into an immortal black cat, doomed to guard the cottage and the Black Flame Candle.
  • Billy Butcherson: Winifred's former lover, whom she poisoned in 1693 after catching him with Sarah. She resurrects him as a zombie, forcing him to be her eternal servant, though he is later revealed to be an ally to the protagonists.
  • Mother Witch: A powerful, ancient witch introduced in Hocus Pocus 2. She is the one who gifted the young Sanderson Sisters the Manual of Witchcraft, setting them on their dark path. Her full name remains unknown, adding to her mystique.
  • Gilbert: A character from Hocus Pocus 2, the proprietor of the Olde Salem Magic Shoppe, which is the site of the original Sanderson cottage. He is a super-fan of the sisters and is responsible for tricking the protagonists into lighting the Black Flame Candle once again.
  • The Dennison Family: Max Dennison, the virgin who lights the candle, and his younger sister, Dani Dennison. Along with Allison Watts, they are the protagonists of the original film who ultimately defeat the sisters.

The Latest on Hocus Pocus 3 Development

The success of the 2022 sequel, *Hocus Pocus 2*, has officially put a third film into development at Disney. As of late 2025, the script for Hocus Pocus 3 is reportedly completed, with Bette Midler confirming its brilliance. While the return of all three original actresses—Midler, Parker, and Najimy—is hoped for, the narrative direction is expected to continue exploring the deeper lore and the new characters introduced in the second film.

The sequel ended with a hint that the magic of the Sanderson Sisters may live on through the new generation of Salem teens, Becca and Izzy, who inherit magical powers. This suggests that the third installment will likely focus on passing the torch to a new coven while potentially bringing back the original sisters in a limited or flashback capacity.

The enduring power of the names Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson lies not just in their comedic performances but in the rich, dark lore of the Salem Witch Trials and the quest for immortality that defines their existence. The continuation of the franchise promises to keep the Black Flame Candle lit for years to come.

The Definitive List of Hocus Pocus Witch Names: Lore, Powers, and The Latest Hocus Pocus 3 Updates
hocus pocus witch names
hocus pocus witch names

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