The 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus is getting a sequel and it features a lesbian romance.

The sequel is set for release over the next few months by the Disney Channel, but in the meantime, they have released the novelised version which has revealed a welcomed storyline.

In the novel’s description they describe the present day goings on in Salem:

“Twenty-five years later, Max and Allison’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Poppy, finds herself face-to-face with the Sanderson sisters in all their sinister glory. When Halloween celebrations don’t quite go as planned, it’s a race against time as Poppy and her friends fight to save her family and all of Salem from the witches’ latest vile scheme.”

It has been reported that Max’s sister Dani will also feature in the sequel.

It will also star Isabella Richards, Poppy’s friend from school who is “the most popular girl at Jacob Bailey High and has an admirable list of extracurriculars—not to mention a killer report card. It’s no wonder Poppy thinks no one holds a candle to her. ”

There is a blossoming love story between Poppy and Isabella as is clear from an excerpt from the book:

Isabella gives me a smile that makes my stomach flip a little. “There’s no way I’d leave you hanging.”

“It’s not fair that you’re so nice.” I take another piece of pizza. “People aren’t supposed to be smart and popular and nice. What’s your weakness, Isabella Richards?”

Her smile flags a little, and for a second she looks mystified — but then it’s gone. “Halloween candy,” she says, matter-of-factly, then grins and takes another sip of soda.

In terms of diverse representation, this is a pretty big step for Disney who has a history of straight washing characters.

Whether this romance will carry over into the film is yet to be seen but we hope this is the start of a new trend for Disney in terms of queer representation.