Bette Midler talks about ‘Hocus Pocus 2’

The month of October and Halloween are not the same without “Hocus Pocus” running on repeat. The 1993 film about three witches known as the Sanderson sisters put a spell on fans then, and has gained popularity through the years. Bette Midler starred as Winifred Sanderson and reveals to Yahoo Entertainment that she’s reprising her role in “Hocus Pocus 2.” According to reports, the sequel may also feature Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker, who were both in the original. “I just loved making that movie,” Midler says about the first film. “That was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had.” Midler says that “of course” she will be back for the sequel but is keeping mum on details. “Hocus Pocus 2” will stream on Disney+. No official release date has been set.

Video Transcript

- Now the witch is back! And there's hell to pay. I put a spell on you.

ETHAN ALTER: We're coming up on Halloween, so obviously "Hocus Pocus" is going to be back on TVs. One of your classic moments in that is where you do "I Put a Spell On You." What do you remember about doing that song and making that song so immortal?

BETTE MIDLER: Well, this is -- Screamin' Jay Hawkins made the song immortal, I just -- and don't forget, Nina Simone has a fabulous version.

[MUSIC - BETTE MIDLER, "I PUT A SPELL ON YOU"]

- I put a spell on you, and now you're gone.

- Gone, gone, gone, so long.

BETTE MIDLER: I wrote some of it, the one about "she's vicious, better get superstitious," that was somebody else's line and then I wrote "she's vicious." No, "Of all the -- of all the witches working, I'm the worst." That was my line.

[MUSIC - BETTE MIDLER, "I PUT A SPELL ON YOU"]

- Your wretched little lives have all been cursed, 'cause of all the witches working, I'm the worst!

BETTE MIDLER: I just loved making that movie, that was one of the most fun experiences I ever had.

ETHAN ALTER: We're hearing sequel talk for "Hocus Pocus." Will you be back? Will we see you in number two?

BETTE MIDLER: Oh, of course. Of course.

ETHAN ALTER: And what song will you sing?

BETTE MIDLER: I have no idea. We haven't got that far.

ETHAN ALTER: But you're definitely, you're definitely coming back, it sounds like. You're --

BETTE MIDLER: Absolutely, as soon as we're -- we sign on the dotted line.

- I need one of those instant ice packs. You girls are giving me a fever! Yow!