Disney is well-known for its teen-focused, spooky films, and the company is now making a sequel to one of its popular Halloween franchises. According to a new report, Disney is developing a fifth Halloweentown film, about 20 years after the last entry. The franchise’s previous film was 2006’s Disney Channel Original, Return to Halloweentown.
Halloweentown originally premiered on Disney Channel in 1998, written by Paul Bernbaum, Jon Cooksey, and Ali Matheson. The film, directed by Duwayne Dunham, told the story of a 13-year-old girl who learns that she is a witch. Played by Kimberly J. Brown, it follows Marnie Piper on her journey through the titular Halloweentown, a land filled with magic.
Disney is also developing a third Hocus Pocus film that will be released in theaters.
What we know about the new Halloweentown sequel so far
The Wrap has reported that Halloweentown 5 is in “early development,” with Lily Houghton and Ryan Koehn writing its script. As for whether the film will be a sequel or a reboot, it remains to be seen. Plot details are being kept under wraps, as is cast information. It’s unclear whether Kimberly J. Brown, Sara Paxton, or any other original cast members will return. A separate Variety report claims that the film, if greenlit, will be released on Disney+ and Disney Channel.
Houghton is known for writing the horror comedy Forbidden Fruits, which was released earlier this year. Koehn was a writer on the Gossip Girl reboot and has penned scripts for Homeschooled, As Night Comes, and others.
Brown played the lead role for three films and was replaced by Paxton in the 2006 film. The franchise has also spawned multiple short films and a novelization. The series has reportedly amassed over 160 million hours streamed globally on Disney+. The first film also ranked among the top 10 most-watched Halloween movies last year on the streamer.
