Bette Midler teases potential 'Hocus Pocus 3'

August 2024 · 3 minute read

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Hold onto your broomsticks, we could be “running amok” for a third time!

Stars of the upcoming Disney+ film “Hocus Pocus 2,” the sequel to the 1993 cult classic, revealed their thoughts about a potential third installment of “Hocus Pocus” during the Tuesday premiere.

Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker told Entertainment Weekly that they would love to continue playing the witchy Sanderson Sisters who terrorize present-day Salem, Massachusetts.

“I’m envious of other actors who have franchises, and I was hoping for a sequel to ‘First Wives Club,’ but we never got that,” Midler, 76, said. “After 30 years with no sequel to ‘Hocus Pocus,’ I’ve always been envious of people who get to do their favorite character more than once.”

“The fact that we got to do this finally, after 30 years of promoting the idea, I’m glad we got to do it. I’d love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing.”

Kathy Najimy, 65, said that while she is grateful to return in the sequel, she believes that director Anne Fletcher’s new film has “pulled every story you could pull out of this” spooky world — although she will “never say never” to a trilogy.

Parker, 57, also spoke about the possibility of an animated sequel, an idea floated by Najimy.

Sarah Jessica Parker (from left), Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy revealed some interest in doing a third installment of “Hocus Pocus.” ©Disney+/Courtesy Everett Collection

“Kathy had a good idea that the third one should be animated. That would be cool and a smart idea. It’s fun, funny, and could be interesting and innovative, like old-fashioned or new [animation],” said the “And Just Like That” actress.

“Of course, I’d be happy to have a conversation [for a third film], it just depends on what Kathy and Bette want!”

The Post has reached out to Midler, Parker and Najimy for comment.

All three stars expressed their gratitude for doing a sequel nearly 30 years after the original film premiered. ©Disney+/Courtesy Everett Collection

Over the weekend, Midler also revealed that people have been singing the wrong lyrics to the iconic song, “I Put a Spell on You.”

The “Beaches” actress posted an Instagram photo of herself in costume as her “Hocus Pocus” character Winifred Sanderson to hype up the sequel, captioned with the misspoken lyrics.

“Hello, sailors,” wrote Midler.

Bette Midler (center) revealed that fans have been singing the lyrics to the iconic song incorrectly. ©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

“My name’s Winifred, what’s yours?”

The revelation cast a stunning spell on “Hocus Pocus” fans who long believed the word in the lyric was “Salem,” referencing the town where the film takes place.

“Wait… it’s sailors not Salem,” commented one user.

“I was today years old when I learned she says ‘Sailors’ instead of ‘Salem,’ ” said another.

“Hocus Pocus 2” will fly onto Disney+ on Sept. 30.

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