Thora Birch, forever etched in the hearts of fans as Dani Dennison from Hocus Pocus, has once again declared Halloween her ‘favorite holiday,’ a sentiment deeply rooted in her life, extending beyond her iconic role and into her current work in the supernatural series Mayfair Witches, igniting fan hopes for her return in a potential Hocus Pocus 3.
For many, Thora Birch is synonymous with Halloween, thanks to her unforgettable performance as the witch-obsessed Dani Dennison in Disney’s beloved 1993 film, Hocus Pocus. More than three decades later, Birch, now 43, continues to revel in the spooky season, recently confirming that October 31st holds a very special place in her heart.
Speaking exclusively to People at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2025 on October 23, Birch shared, “I’ve been in love with Halloween since I knew what it was, so you know it’ll always have a special place in my heart.” She emphasized that her connection to the holiday transcends her role in the cult classic, stating, “Even without that, I would still… Halloween would still be my favorite holiday. I mean, I wish it were every day.”
The Enduring Magic of Hocus Pocus and Its Growing Legacy
The original Hocus Pocus, which premiered 32 years ago, has only seen its popularity soar with each passing year, solidifying its status as an essential Halloween viewing. Birch acknowledges this incredible phenomenon, noting that “it seems like its popularity only grows as we get further away from the original.” The film, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the iconic Sanderson sisters, became a generational touchstone, captivating new audiences annually.
Fans of the film often wonder about its stars, and Birch offered a glimpse into her personal Halloween traditions. While she and her husband, Michael Benton Adler, 48, dressed as George and Martha Washington last year, she admits to being “a little late to the game” for 2025, with playful plans to dress as a taco, complete with “a little extra hot sauce on the side.”
Dani’s Absence in Hocus Pocus 2 and Hopes for a Third Film
The release of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022 brought immense excitement, but fans were notably disappointed by Dani Dennison’s absence. Birch clarified that while she was enthusiastic about reprising her role, scheduling conflicts prevented her participation. She revealed to Entertainment Tonight in September 2022 that “there were three options we had for how to bring Dani back, all of which I was excited by,” but “by the time they got around to filming, I was already on something else.”
Despite not being in the sequel, Birch was “excited for the fans who have been begging for Hocus Pocus 2 for years” and watched it along with everyone else. However, the possibility of a Hocus Pocus 3 has reignited hope among the fan community for Dani’s return.
Rumors of a third film gained traction after Bette Midler, who plays Winifred Sanderson, confirmed that a script exists. Birch is “super open” to the idea, telling Entertainment Tonight, “I mean, I’d like to know what they land on for how Dani wound up.” This statement resonates deeply with fans eager to see the fate of their beloved character.
Embracing the Occult: From American Beauty to Mayfair Witches
Beyond Hocus Pocus, Thora Birch’s career has seen diverse roles, from her acclaimed performance in American Beauty, which earned her a BAFTA nomination, to more recent appearances in indie films and television. After a hiatus in 2012, she returned to acting in 2018, featuring in projects like The Walking Dead. She was also slated to appear in Netflix’s Wednesday but departed due to creative differences.
Currently, Birch is fully embracing her witchy roots in Mayfair Witches Season 2, a role that feels like a natural progression given her lifelong fascination with the supernatural. In an interview with TV Insider, she openly discussed her personal connection to the occult:
- She pretended to be a Wiccan for a couple of years as a teenager (14-15).
- She was drawn to the occult and was an early fan of Anne Rice.
- Her preference for vampires over zombies, despite being on The Walking Dead.
- She appreciates the visual playfulness of witchy stories, noting “good clothes, great jewelry, you can’t go wrong.”
Birch’s comments highlight her genuine interest in the mystical, making her a perfect fit for the AMC drama based on Anne Rice’s novels. Her enthusiasm for the genre, combined with her iconic past, positions her as a true insider within the world of cinematic magic and mystery. Fans can continue to follow her spellbinding journey in new episodes of Mayfair Witches, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and streaming on AMC+.
