Mon Oct 21 01:40:00 UTC 2024: **Summary of the Article:**

1. **Sarah Jessica Parker’s Connection**: The actress, known for her role as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s *Hocus Pocus*, has a real-life ancestral link to the Salem witch trials through her ancestor, Esther Elwell, who was accused of witchcraft in 1692.

2. **Hocus Pocus Franchise**: The original *Hocus Pocus*, released in July 1993, was initially a box office failure but gained cult status through home video and TV airings. A sequel, *Hocus Pocus 2*, was released on Disney+ in 2022, featuring the beloved Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah.

3. **Character Details**: In the films, the Sanderson sisters are witches who are hanged during the Salem witch trials and then resurrected 300 years later. Despite being villains, they have become iconic characters, especially Sarah Sanderson.

4. **Parker’s Discovery**: In the documentary *Who Do You Think You Are?*, Parker learned about her ancestor’s accusations, expressing concern about being linked to witch trial accusers but was relieved to find that was not the case. Elwell lived a long life, passing away at age 82.

5. **Sequel Development**: Despite the original film’s failure to perform well, Bette Midler campaigned for a sequel, leading to *Hocus Pocus 2*. Both Parker and Midler commented on their excitement to reunite, with Midler stating that the dynamic among the actresses felt unchanged after nearly 30 years.

6. **Future Installment**: Plans for a *Hocus Pocus 3* were confirmed in June 2023, with Parker and her co-stars expressing interest in returning. The sequel ended with a hint of further adventures, setting the stage for the return of the Sanderson sisters.

7. **Overall Impact**: The article highlights the enduring legacy of *Hocus Pocus*, linking it to Parker’s heritage and the evolving interest in the franchise.

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