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Bette Midler says she 'can't wait to fly' in 'Hocus Pocus' sequel

Bette Midler as the witch Winnie Sanderson in 'Hocus Pocus'. (Credit: Buena Vista Pictures)
Bette Midler as the witch Winnie Sanderson in 'Hocus Pocus'. (Credit: Buena Vista Pictures)

Bette Midler has revealed she’s ready and willing to appear in a Hocus Pocus sequel, saying she “can’t wait to fly”.

The 74-year-old screen legend told Entertainment Tonight that she is “absolutely” on board to play witch sister Winnie Sanderson in the upcoming sequel to the 1993 cult classic.

Midler said she and Disney are “just talking logistics” in terms of getting the project going and that she “can’t wait to fly” as she reprises her sorceress role, almost three decades later.

Read more: How flop Hocus Pocus became a Halloween classic

The sequel had been rumoured for years, but picked up steam in March, with Hairspray director Adam Shankman stepping up to take charge of the movie.

Watch: Hocus Pocus sequel announced at Disney+

All three of the main cast members — with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy playing Midler’s sisters — have expressed enthusiasm about returning to their roles.

Midler has long been keen, describing Winnie as “one of my favorite characters”, while Parker seemed to confirm in November that all three of the leading ladies have said yes.

Bette Midler attends the WSJ Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards at MOMA on November 6, 2019. (Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Bette Midler attends the WSJ Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards at MOMA on November 6, 2019. (Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Hocus Pocus follows the trio of 17th century witches, who are resurrected in the 20th century and must adjust to a world in which Halloween is now a commercialised event.

Read more: Most nostalgic shows on Disney+

The film was a critical flop and a financial disappointment, earning just $40m (£31m) worldwide.

Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker portrayed witch sisters in 'Hocus Pocus'. (Credit: Disney)
Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker portrayed witch sisters in 'Hocus Pocus'. (Credit: Disney)

Since its original release, however, the movie has become a cult favourite, particularly for those who were children when it first came out.

Strong DVD sales and regular television airings over the Halloween period have boosted its popularity, and it is now available to stream on Disney+ for a whole new generation of fans.

Read more: Everything coming to Disney+ in October 2020

Hocus Pocus looks set to be one of many nostalgic Disney classics from the 1990s to get a new life on the streaming service, with Emilio Estevez leading a reboot series for The Mighty Ducks.