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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.

After months of speculation and floating rumors, Bette Midler has finally confirmed that she, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, will be reprising her role as one of the Sanderson sisters in a Hocus Pocus sequel.

The speculation around the sequel isn’t new, however. In 2012, it was reported that a sequel titled Hocus Pocus 2: Rise of the Elderwitch was being developed for release in 2014. In 2017, it was reported that Disney was remaking Hocus Pocus as a television movie without the original cast, which was met with a large amount of backlash.

Rumors started to swirl around the cast again after it was reported last year that a sequel was in the works for Disney’s streaming service, Disney+. Not long afterward, Sarah Jessica Parker revealed that the original witches had all agreed to be a part of a sequel; however, she did not specify whether or not a sequel was actually in the cards for Hocus Pocus lovers.

So far, there are not many details about the sequel other than the return of the original Sanderson sisters and the name of the director, Adam Shankman. Shankman is previously credited with directing the movies A Walk To Remember and Hairspray. There has not been any mention of other cast members joining the return yet, leaving many to question what could possibly be happening behind the scenes. Allegedly, the rumored title from 2012 has stuck along for the ride and is attached to this sequel as well, and the sequel is being written by screenwriter Jen D’Angelo according to Penn Live.

red haired witch saying I'll put a spell on you
Walt Disney Pictures / Giphy
In spite of all the rumors and uncertainty, one thing is very clear: Bette Midler is very excited to return as Winifred Sanderson. During a virtual appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the actress gushed about the 1993 film and its cultural impact, saying, “It was a picture that started off a little bit sleepy, but somehow it found its niche and it became a kind of a cult classic and now it’s everywhere. I mean, I wish I had a nickel for every time someone turned out in a Winifred Sanderson costume.”

Unfortunately, there is no release date in sight for the Hocus Pocus sequel just yet. For now, Hocus Pocus fans will have to get their fix by re-watching the original movie, or by tuning into Bette Midler’s Halloween event. The event, which took place on Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. ET, was a mockumentary titled, In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover. Though the return of the rest of the original cast may be up in the air for the sequel, they will be making a return during the event according to ET. Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), Vinessa Shaw (Allison) and Doug Jones (Billy) were all a part of the reunion along with several other celebrity stars. The proceeds of the event, which costs $10 to join virtually, will benefit the New York Restoration Project, which works to create a greener New York.

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Mikayla is a senior at FSU majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications. She loves chai lattes, reading books, musicals, and waffles. In her free time you can find her curled up in a cozy blanket, napping, or trying to pet an animal (including the ones she shouldn't.)
Her Campus at Florida State University.