Beloved Hocus Pocus star Thora Birch, known for her iconic role as Dani Dennison, recently made a rare and captivating red carpet appearance with her husband, Michael Benton Adler, for the premiere of her new film, The Chronology of Water. Her stunning “witchy” ensemble quickly became a topic of discussion, but it was her enthusiastic comments about potentially returning for Hocus Pocus 3 that truly set the fan community abuzz, reigniting hopes for Dani Dennison’s long-awaited comeback.
For fans of the enchanting world of Salem witches, the name Thora Birch immediately conjures images of a spirited young girl bravely facing off against the Sanderson sisters. More than three decades after enchanting audiences as Dani Dennison in the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus, Birch, now 43, has stepped back into the spotlight with a rare public appearance that has captivated both fashion critics and legions of devoted fans alike. Her recent red carpet moment, alongside husband Michael Benton Adler, not only showcased her mature and sophisticated style but also sparked fervent speculation about her potential return to the beloved franchise.
A Captivating Return to the Red Carpet
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Hollywood’s AFI Fest premiere for Birch’s new film, The Chronology of Water, became the stage for her notable re-emergence. Accompanied by her husband, manager and producer Michael Benton Adler, whom she married in 2018, Birch exuded an ethereal, gothic charm. The couple posed for cameras at the TCL Chinese Theatre, sharing smiles and even a tender kiss, a rare display for the notoriously private actress.
Birch’s ensemble for the evening was nothing short of striking. She sported an all-black, witchy-inspired gown, featuring sheer lace fabric intricately woven into the sleeves, chest, and skirt. Her hair was styled in a tousled updo, accented with unexpected streaks of blue, adding a vibrant pop of color to her dark and edgy look. Her husband, Adler, complemented her aesthetic perfectly in a black collared shirt and a velvet coat in a deep burgundy shade. The event also saw other notable attendees, including co-star Imogen Poots and the film’s director, Kristen Stewart.
Exploring “The Chronology of Water”
While her appearance inevitably brought discussions of her past iconic role, Birch was primarily there to celebrate her latest project, The Chronology of Water. This new film, set to release later this year, marks another significant chapter in her diverse career. The project showcases her continued dedication to complex storytelling and reinforces her presence as a formidable talent in the industry, far beyond her child star beginnings.
The Enduring Legacy of Dani Dennison
Despite her extensive filmography, for many, Thora Birch remains synonymous with Dani Dennison, the brave and spirited girl who befriended Max and Allison in the original Hocus Pocus. The film, released in 1993, initially had a modest box office run but steadily grew into a beloved Halloween cult classic, cherished by generations of fans. Birch’s portrayal of Dani, with her iconic witch costume and memorable lines, is a cornerstone of the film’s enduring appeal. Its enduring popularity even led to the development of a long-awaited sequel.
A Notable Absence: Hocus Pocus 2 and the Fan Divide
Fans eagerly anticipated Hocus Pocus 2, released in 2022, which saw the triumphant return of the notorious Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. However, Thora Birch was noticeably absent from the sequel, a fact that left many fans wondering about Dani’s fate and why the original trio wasn’t fully reunited. While the sequel introduced new characters to carry on the story, the absence of Dani Dennison was a point of discussion among the fan community, highlighting the character’s lasting impact.
Will Dani Dennison Return for Hocus Pocus 3?
The biggest revelation from Birch’s recent red carpet event, and the one that truly captured the imagination of the Hocus Pocus faithful, was her statement regarding Hocus Pocus 3. Despite her absence from the second film, the actress has expressed significant openness to reprising her role as Dani. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Birch stated, “Yeah, I’d like to know what they land on for how Dani wound up. I’m super open to the idea.” This quote immediately ignited a wave of excitement across fan forums and social media, as the possibility of Dani’s return for the next installment gained tangible hope.
This openness is a significant development, especially given her previous non-involvement. Fans have long theorized about what an adult Dani Dennison might be like, perhaps even possessing her own magical abilities after her close encounter with the Sanderson sisters. Her return could offer a crucial link back to the original film’s narrative and provide a satisfying arc for her beloved character.
The Future of the Franchise: Hocus Pocus 3 in Development
The prospect of Thora Birch joining the cast of Hocus Pocus 3 comes at a pivotal time, as Disney has already confirmed that the third installment is in development. While no official release date or plot details have been announced, the news of Birch’s willingness to return adds another layer of anticipation to the project. The return of original cast members, particularly one as central as Dani, is often a major draw for long-running franchises, promising a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
The success of Hocus Pocus 2, despite Birch’s absence, showcased the franchise’s continued strength. However, the inclusion of Thora Birch in Hocus Pocus 3 could elevate the sequel even further, offering fans the reunion they’ve eagerly awaited and allowing for a deeper exploration of the lore established in the original film. As reported by Parade, her recent public appearance and subsequent comments have undoubtedly shifted the conversation around the upcoming film, making her potential involvement a central point of excitement.
