bette midler, hocus pocus, winifred sanderson
[Photo via Disney]

Is Winifred Sanderson officially returning for the ‘Hocus Pocus’ sequel?

It’s officially October, and while we’re sure you’ve already given Hocus Pocus a few viewings by now, the world continues to wonder what’s going on with the long-awaited sequel. Well, Winifred Sanderson herself Bette Midler may have just given a very important update.

Talk of a follow-up to the classic 1993 film has been ongoing since at least 2014 when Disney debunked the theory that an untitled Tina Fey movie about witches was a sequel. A few months later Midler revealed in a Reddit AMA that all of the Sanderson Sisters, which also includes Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, were open to a sequel but nothing was in the works.

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With various actors from the film addressing questions about a follow-up over the years, Hocus Pocus writer Mick Garris finally revealed a script was being written in 2017. Two years later, Disney+ confirmed a sequel was in development in October 2019.

Workaholics writer Jen D’Angelo signed on to write the script with rumors of all three Sanderson Sisters returning. Shortly after, Middler again echoed her interest in returning

“Oh my goodness me. Oh I hope they get to me before I’m a corpse,” Midler told ET. “We wanna fly again. I hope Disney+ is a big success and I hope we get to do it, because [Winifred] is of course one of my favorite characters.”

Parker also reflected on the film on Instagram after the announcement. There, a fan questioned her involvement in the sequel to which the actress said, “We have all said yes. Now we wait.” However, Disney has still not officially announced that the three witches will be reprising their roles.

In March, Adam Shankman revealed he signed on to direct the sequel. Shankman is best known for Hairspray and Rock Of Ages. Additionally, he choreographed Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Catch Me If You Can and more. With development continuing, Parker addressed the sisters’ interest once more in May.

Now, with the cast of the film set to reunite virtually for Halloween, Midler has seemingly dropped a hint at their official return.

Speaking with ET, the actress revealed she is “absolutely” open to reprising her role. Adding to the tease, she states, “I can’t wait to fly!” ET continued to speak with the actress on the potential return to which she says, “Oh, yeah, we’re just talking logistics.”

Revisit the beloved film below, and be sure to catch it as part of Freeform’s 31 Night Of Halloween which kicks off today with the classic at 9 p.m. ET.

Do you think the Sanderson Sisters are returning for the Hocus Pocus sequel? Let us know in the comments below.