Good news, witches! Bette Midler has offered a highly anticipated update on ‘Hocus Pocus 3,’ confirming that she has finally seen a script and deems a significant portion of it “brilliant.” This revelation from the legendary actress, 79, breathes new life into the hopes of fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic Sanderson Sisters for another magical, mischievous Halloween adventure.
The cauldrons of anticipation are bubbling once more as Bette Midler, the inimitable Winifred Sanderson, has provided a glowing review of the ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ script. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Midler shared her excitement, stating, “Well, you know, they sent a script, and a lot of it was brilliant. So I got very excited.”
This positive feedback marks a significant step forward for the long-awaited third installment of the beloved Disney franchise. While the script has received high praise, Midler noted that logistical details are still being ironed out. “And now we’re trying to figure out what it is and where it’s going to be and how much it’s going to cost and all those logistical things,” she explained, as reported by Parade.
A Journey Two Decades in the Making: The ‘Hocus Pocus’ Legacy
The original ‘Hocus Pocus,’ released in 1993, introduced audiences to the delightful wickedness of the Sanderson Sisters: Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy). Resurrected on Halloween night, the trio embarked on a comical quest for eternal youth, becoming an instant cult classic despite Midler’s initial doubts.
Midler herself admitted on the QVC+ talk show Busy This Week that she initially thought the 1993 film was a “dud” before it blossomed into a cherished “cult classic.” The film’s enduring popularity led to a highly successful sequel, ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ which premiered in 2022 and became the most-watched Disney+ original film at the time of its release.
The Road to ‘Hocus Pocus 3’: From Urgency to Brilliance
The confirmation of ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ first came two years ago from Sean Bailey, then-president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, who stated that a third film was “happening,” as noted in a 2023 profile by The New York Times. This announcement, however, was preceded by Midler’s own playful yet urgent calls for Disney to accelerate production.
Prior to seeing the script, Midler, who reprised her role in the 2022 sequel, had urged Disney to “hurry up” with ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ while the original cast members were “still breathing.” Speaking on Busy Philipps’ QVC+ talk show Busy This Week, she had exclaimed, “I haven’t seen the script, but, I’ve heard rumblings. I think if they’re gonna, they oughta, because time is not just marching, time is barrelling to the finish line. Get us while we’re still breathing, I mean, God!” These passionate pleas highlight the dedication of the cast to the franchise and their desire to continue the magic for fans.
After the WGA strike concluded in September 2023, ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ screenwriter Jen D’Angelo confirmed that the third film was still in development. D’Angelo shared with Entertainment Weekly, “We’re still in the story phase, we’re still working on it. It’s been fun to dive back into that world, and we have so many directions in which to go and so many new characters to explore. We’ve only scratched the surface of Hannah Waddingham’s mother witch.” This suggests a rich narrative potential for the upcoming movie.
Winifred Sanderson: A Villain for the Ages
Beyond her excitement for the script, Midler has often shared insights into her iconic character, Winifred ‘Winnie’ Sanderson. She described Winnie as “probably the least like me of any character” she has portrayed in her half-century-long acting career. Yet, she holds a deep appreciation for the role.
Midler considers Winifred a character of Shakespearean proportions. “She is the closest thing I will ever get to Shakespeare. She’s from the era, from the time of Shakespeare,” Midler explained. She elaborated on Winnie’s captivating villainy:
- Vicious: Demonstrates a clear intent for harm against those who cross her.
- Hilarious: Possesses an over-the-top, theatrical persona that elicits laughter.
- Ridiculous-looking: Her exaggerated appearance adds to her comedic charm.
- Unaware: “She doesn’t know any of that. It goes completely over her head,” which makes her even more compelling.
This depth of character, combined with the undeniable chemistry among the three lead actresses, is precisely why fans remain so devoted to the ‘Hocus Pocus’ saga.
What’s Next for the Sanderson Sisters?
While a definitive release date for ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ remains unannounced, Midler’s enthusiastic endorsement of the script is a powerful indicator that the project is moving forward with creative momentum. The discussions around logistics—cost, location, and story—are critical steps towards bringing the vision to life. For fans of classic films and the enduring charm of the Sanderson Sisters, the promise of a “brilliant” script means that the magic is very much alive, and the wait for another enchanting Halloween adventure continues with renewed hope.
