Fans have been as thirsty for “Hocus Pocus 2” news as Sarah Sanderson is for mortal busboys, and according to Entertainment Weekly, Disney showcased some rough-cut footage that looked like a total blast. According to their report, the Black Flame Candle is lit by two teen girls who are interrupted by a wailing Winnifred Sanderson who exclaims, “Lock up your children! Yes, Salem, we’re back!” The footage then reportedly shifted to a musical number, featuring a cover of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back.” Given this is a Disney movie, there’s a good chance they’re modifying the language to “The Witch is Back,” hopefully introducing a new generation to Elton John the way Hocus Pocus did for Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You.”

EW reports that both Jones’ Billy Butcherson and Sam Richardson’s character are seen in the clip, as is the mayor of Salem played by Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”). Given the footage was part of a rough cut, it’s highly unlikely that Disney will make it available anytime soon, but now that we’ve got a September 30, 2022, release date, it’s only a matter of time before they drop a trailer. 

The original “Hocus Pocus” had a July release, surprisingly enough, so maybe we’ll get a poetic full-circle moment and see a trailer sometime this summer.