Disney Channel working on Hocus Pocus remake

A new generation is about to learn the difference between the name Zachary and the name Thackery.

Deadline reports that Disney Channel is producing a remake of Hocus Pocus to become a TV movie.

Since its release in 1993, Hocus Pocus has become a cult-classic, especially among a millennial audience who grew up with the movie’s annual broadcasts on Disney and ABC family (now Freeform).

The film follows Max Dennison, a young boy who accidentally resurrects the 17th century witches, the Sanderson sisters (played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker). With the help of his little sister and an immortal boy-turned-talking black cat named Thackery (not Zachary) Binx, Max has to send the witches back to the grave.

The upcoming TV movie will be written by Scarlett Lacey (The Royals) and produced by David Krichner, who also produced the original film. Kenny Ortega, who directed the original and has also directed blockbuster Disney Channel TV movies High School Musical and Descendants, will not be involved in the remake.

A representative for Disney Channel says the TV movie will be a “new iteration” of the story, and it’s currently in early development stages.

Speaking to Forbes about Hocus Pocus, writer Mick Garris (who isn’t involved in the remake) said he heard the television remake was moving forward and speculated that the original cast could factor somehow. “If they don’t do that I think it would be a big mistake because all three of them are still so incredibly potent and powerful and great performers and who else can recreate those characters?” Garris said.

Fans have demanded a Hocus Pocus continuation for years, but that never appeared to be in the cards. Two years ago, Midler threw cold water on the notion of a Hocus Pocus sequel anyway, writing on Facebook that the idea of Hocus Pocus 2 was an “unequivocal no.”