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They’re Back Witches! ‘Hocus Pocus’ House Becomes an Airbnb, Sandersons Not Included

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**UPDATE – This Airbnb is no longer available**

The Sanderson sisters have retuned to the home-sharing game. Their Hocus Pocus house* is once again being offered on Airbnb. And if you love cinematic history, themed architecture, or just want a unique way to celebrate the season, keep reading.

Hocus Pocus cottage

Just a few miles from Salem Mass., in the Danvers Woods, the cottage sits. It’s a recreation of the one in the original movie, but it has all the bells, books, and candles, including a simmering cauldron, Booook?!, and the iconic black-flame candle.

The movies are set in Salem where the infamous witch trials took place in the late 17th century. Over 200 people were accused of being witches and some were killed because of it. Hocus Pocus I and II are light-hearted takes on that part of history.

“We all know that the Sanderson Sisters’ story might not have ended when we turned to dust, nor did our shenanigans,” said actress Kathy Najimy last year on Airbnb. “What better way to celebrate the season than to host guests at the trio’s historic haunt for a night they’ll remember for years to come?”

Thirty years ago, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Najimy created their seminal roles. In the sequel, a new witch is introduced played by Hannah Waddingham. We also get a little origin story that explains why the sisters became so wonderfully evil.

Unfortunately, the cottage doesn’t have a full bathroom, but there is a modern portable one just outside.

If you should happen to nab the reservation the cost for two people is only $31 (that doesn’t include some taxes and fees).

Booking opens at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 12 for an exclusive stay on Thursday, Oct. 20.*

*This one-night stay is not a contest. Guests are responsible for their own travel, by broomstick or otherwise.

More details:

The space

As though untouched by time, our creaky old cottage stands tall amidst the trees, beckoning visitors as if by trance. Enter by window or water wheel, but watch your step – a cobweb or two and the smoke from our cauldron await you inside.

Amidst the broomsticks and apothecary bottles, the Black Flame Candle flickers and our beloved Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy sleeps deeply – lest something (or someone) wakes it. It’s a magnificently eerie scene certain to get guests in the Halloween ‘spirit.’



Prior to slumbering in our humble abode, guests can:
– Try their hand at enchantments enshrined in the ancient spellbook that guided us in all our mischief. (Maybe just don’t expect to turn anyone into cats as a result).
– Explore the dark, rich history of Salem with visits to some of the town’s most haunted properties.
– View a special screening of Hocus Pocus 2, streaming on Disney+ beginning Sept. 30 (rated PG, Disney+ subscription required, must be 18+ to subscribe).

To support the next generation of the historic city, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, which aims to ensure that success is within reach of every young person who walks through their doors.

Other things to note

We aren’t much for sunshine, so our socially distanced on-site concierge will ensure a comfortable stay for you and your guest in our stead – including showing you around and arranging meals.

Guests should also note that because our precious cottage doesn’t come with ‘facilities’, if you will, we’ve added a modern outhouse just steps from the home for your convenience.

Those looking to book should note that this stay’s rules require strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines. On-site staff will follow applicable local, state and federal guidelines as well as Airbnb’s COVID-19 Safety Practices, which include wearing a mask and practicing social distancing when required by local laws or guidelines, and abiding by our five-step enhanced cleaning process.

The cottage is privately owned and operated.

This article has been updated to reflect 2023 details.

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‘Fall’ Team Finds ‘Daybreakers’ Brothers to Helm Follow-Up

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The sleeper hit Fall (2022) is getting not one, but two sequels. Written and directed by Scott Mann, Fall was slow out of the gate thanks to a crunchy CGI trailer, but thanks to the performances, writing and outstanding direction, it found its footing to pull in seven times its original $3 million budget. That cashfall was mostly thanks to word of mouth and VOD.

The Spierig Brothers, Michael and Peter, are taking over the reins for Fall 2, with Mann returning to the director’s chair for its sequel Fall 3.

The Spierig Brothers delved into horror movies starting with Undead in 2003, and after that the apocalyptic vampire action thriller Daybreakers (2009). Perhaps their biggest break was getting to add to the Saw universe in 2017 with Jigsaw which led them to Winchester (2018) starring Helen Mirren.

Variety got a statement from the directing duo, in which they said, “We’re extremely excited to helm the second installment of this franchise and bring to life another nail biting, vertigo inducing thrill ride.“

Mann said he can’t wait for Flawless (his production company) to work with the brothers on this latest installment. “I am so proud to hand over the reins to the Spierigs, two highly respected genre directors whose addition will undoubtedly make this follow-up even more of a must-see experience than we already knew it would be.”

Fall 2 is written by Mann and his co-writer of the first film, Jonathan Frank. No plot details are being released at this time, however, movie site JoBlo has said some characters from the first film will return for the sequel.

So what do you think? Will lightning strike twice for Fall 2 and Fall 3 or was the first one enough for you? Let us know.

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Alexandre Aja’s Latest ‘Never Let Go’ Drops Official Trailer

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Director Alexandre Aja (Crawl, High Tension) is sticking to form in his latest survival horror movie Never Let Go. The official trailer for it dropped this morning. Perhaps best known for his films Crawl and The Hills Have Eyes (2206), Aja has a penchant for using nature against people in his films.

This theme is further explored in Never Let Go a psychological thriller in which stars Halle Berry. “In this new psychological thriller/horror, as an evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother, played by Academy Award® winner Halle Berry (Actress in a Leading Role, 2001 –Monster’s Ball), and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.”

Never Let Go will be released only in theaters on September 27.

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‘Violent Night’ Director’s Next Project is a Shark Movie

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Sony Pictures is getting in the water with director Tommy Wirkola for his next project; a shark movie. Although no plot details have been revealed, Variety confirms that the movie will start filming in Australia this summer.

Also confirmed is that actress Phoebe Dynevor is circling the project and is in talks to star. She is probably best known for her role as Daphne in the popular Netflix soap Bridgerton.

Dead Snow (2009)

Duo Adam McKay and Kevin Messick (Don’t Look Up, Succession) will produce the new film.

Wirkola is from Norway and utilizes a lot of action in his horror films. One of his first films, Dead Snow (2009), about zombie Nazis, is a cult favorite, and his 2013 action-heavy Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is an entertaining distraction.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

But 2022’s Christmas blood fest Violent Night starring David Harbour made wider audiences familiar with Wirkola. Coupled with favorable reviews and a great CinemaScore, the film became a Yuletide hit.

Insneider first reported this new shark project.

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