Midler’s posts began Oct. 1 and feature references to the cult classic “Hocus Pocus.”
LOS ANGELES — “Hocus Pocus” fans are feeling the spooky season spirit thanks to star Bette Midler posting references to the movies.
Her posts began on October 1 with a short clip showing the Spellbook seemingly trying to resist being restrained on a surface. The caption simply read “Tis time.”
While many assumed she was merely marking the beginning of the Halloween season, others speculated this was an eagerly awaited update for the previously announced “Hocus Pocus 3.”
“It’s spooky season!!! …and time for a third movie!” wrote one commenter.
She continued sharing movie references, such as a still shot of the black flame candle from the 1993 cult classic.
In the film, a candle — made from the fat of a hanged man — summons the Sanderson sisters, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and Midler, back from the dead when lit under certain conditions.
Midler proceeded to share two behind-the-scenes photos of the three actresses in their witch costumes. One caption simply reads “More BTS!” while the other contained an image that appeared to be animated into a video.
She also posted a video of her iconic witchy hair in front of an open book with the words “Tis time” floating around.
These posts sparked excitement among fans, leading to speculation about the future of the franchise.
The Disney movie, directed by Kenny Ortega and released in 1993, follows the three Sanderson witches after they are accidentally resurrected by a teenage boy on Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts. Disney released a sequel almost 30 years later in 2022 on Disney+.
Since then, dedicated fans have been wishing for a third comedy/horror film with these beloved mystical characters.
Is “Hocus Pocus 3” happening?
Sean Bailey, the longtime and now former president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, informed the New York Times that a third movie was “happening” in 2023.
Bailey stepped down from his position in 2024 amid a change in leadership at Disney. He predominantly made the live-action versions of animated projects like “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and others.
Since the 2023 announcement of “Hocus Pocus 3,” fans have eagerly awaited further updates but have not seen much.
Parker, who played Sarah Sanderson in both “Hocus Pocus” movies, gave an update in July this year while on an episode of Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live!”
“No more developments other than we would like to do it,” she said. “We’ve been having some conversations.”
No other updates have been released since then, but IMDb has a page for the movie. On the page it says “Rock of Ages,” “The Proposal” and “Hocus Pocus 2” director Anne Fletcher will return for the third film.
It also credits Jen D’Angelo, Mick Garris and David Kirschner as writers. It is worth noting all three worked in some capacity on “Hocus Pocus 2.”
While fans eagerly await more news, Midler’s posts keep the “Hocus Pocus” hype alive.
