Cult classic co-stars reunite 25 years after production in the name of charity

For 25 years, Disney cast a spell over audiences come Halloween, thanks to Hocus Pocus. The cult classic family comedy follows three witches- played to perfection by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy– who want to suck the lives out of little children and live forever. Since its debut 25 years ago, Hocus Pocus became the definitive Halloween movie and a pop culture staple; a mainstream cult classic for the social media generation. 

Today, with the pandemic changing everyone’s plans for the holiday, Bette Midler orchestrated a reunion with her Sanderson sisters to bring some spooky cheer to fans of the classic. The virtual event, titled In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover, Is taking place on Oct 30. in the name of “Hulaween,” a fundraiser Midler runs benefiting The New York Restoration Project. The project works to restore parks and gardens throughout New York City’s five boroughs.

“The thing that was so funny was that once we were all in costume, in our hair and makeup, we sort of fell into our same roles, even from 27 years ago,” said Midler. “I think that the experience of playing those characters was so indelible to each one of us that it was as if no time had passed at all. We just fell into the characters immediately. Sarah was her usual bouncy self and Kathy was going around with her funny mouth and the horn on her head. And of course, I’ve been doing the voice of that character in and out of my life for many, many years. She’s almost like a second … an alter ego to me. So, it was just so strange and wonderful to be there again, as if no time had passed at all.”

Ahead of the fundraiser, fans can shop online for a selection of merchandise and treats inspired by Hocus Pocus, including tote bags, T-shirts and a “dead man’s toe” scented candle.

Midler and Parker both shared photos of the trio in their “Hocus Pocus” costumes on Instagram, and fans everywhere started to freak out at the thought of a reunion. Parker captioned her post with “We laughed, made mischief and even sang a little song that might be familiar.”

Does this mean the sisters are going to sing “I Put A Spell On You?”… We can only hope.