Hocus Pocus 3 script called ‘brilliant’ by Bette Midler as Thora Birch opens door to return

The Hocus Pocus 3 script is officially getting the green light from the original stars. Bette Midler just revealed she’s read the screenplay and calls “a lot of it” brilliant. Thora Birch, who played young Dani Dennison, is now saying she’s “super open” to returning. This is major momentum for the long-awaited third film that fans have been craving.

Script Approval Sparks Franchise Hope

During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live on October 16, Midler dropped the exciting news fans needed. She confirmed Disney sent her the screenplay for Hocus Pocus 3. Her verdict? Much of it impressed her deeply. The actress didn’t hold back her enthusiasm about the creative direction the script is heading.

The approval from Midler, who plays the iconic Winifred Sanderson, matters enormously. She’s been the face of the franchise since 1993. Her co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy haven’t made public statements yet. But sources say they’re in the loop on development.

“Well, you know, they sent a script, and a lot of it was brilliant,” Bette Midler said during her appearance on Andy Cohen’s show.

Thora Birch Opens Door to Returning

The momentum got even stronger when Thora Birch made waves at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards on October 24, 2025. She told Entertainment Tonight she’d absolutely consider returning as Dani Dennison. She used the exact phrase “super open” to describe her stance.

This signals serious potential for the original cast to reunite. Birch played young Dani in the 1993 original when she was just nine. She reprised the role alongside Omri Katz in 2022‘s Hocus Pocus 2. Having her back would satisfy longtime fans who loved her chemistry with the Sanderson sisters.

The cast enthusiasm marks a turning point. Disney has been working on Hocus Pocus 3 since June 2023. Previous months saw only slow progress. Now renewed energy from the stars suggests real momentum.

Franchise Success Numbers

Here’s why Disney is so eager to make this third film work:

Metric	Performance	Significance
Hocus Pocus 2 Opening Week	2.7 billion minutes streamed	Record-breaking for Disney+
Original Film Box Office	Moderate theatrical (gained cult status)	Became massive with TV airings
October 2025 Streaming	Number 1 on Disney+ charts	Both films dominating spooky season
Franchise Age	32 years since original release	Nostalgia is incredibly powerful

The numbers show why Disney moved quickly when the script was ready. Both the original Hocus Pocus and its 2022 sequel crushed on streaming. The franchise taps into genuine nostalgia that keeps drawing audiences year after year.

What Comes Next for the Threequel

The script approval and cast enthusiasm are just the first steps. Midler mentioned on Watch What Happens Live that producers still have “logistical things” to work out.

• Budget decisions need final approval from Disney leadership
• Filming schedule must fit around the stars’ existing commitments
• Director Anne Fletcher is reportedly negotiating her return contract
• Potential release timing around Halloween 2026 is being explored
• Supporting cast confirmations still pending from studios

Despite these hurdles, the mood around Hocus Pocus 3 has shifted dramatically. The script passing Bette Midler‘s test matters. This tells fans and industry insiders that the story actually works. Combined with Thora Birch‘s enthusiasm, it feels like a real possibility at last.

Why This Movie Matters More Than Most Sequels

The Hocus Pocus franchise occupies unique real estate in pop culture. It started as a 1993 theatrical release that underperformed at first. But something magical happened. The film got shown repeatedly on television during October every year. Families made it a Halloween tradition. Generations discovered it.

By the time Disney+ launched, Hocus Pocus was a genuine event. The streaming service understood they had gold. Hocus Pocus 2 proved it in 2022 with those record-breaking numbers. Now the franchise has become a cultural institution.

That’s why getting Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy back matters enormously. These stars ARE the Sanderson sisters in audiences’ hearts. Thora Birch returning as adult Dani would complete the reunion fans desperately want.

When Can You Actually Stream This?

Bette Midler hinted that Halloween 2026 is the target window for Hocus Pocus 3. That’s over a year away, but it makes sense. It allows time to lock down budgets, confirm the ensemble cast, and actually shoot the movie.

Disney+ will almost certainly be the exclusive home for Hocus Pocus 3, following the Hocus Pocus 2 model. Expect promotional campaigns to start ramping in fall 2026. The studio knows this is Halloween event television at its finest. Families will gather to watch the Sanderson sisters return once more. The question isn’t if it happens anymore—it’s when the cameras officially roll.

Sources

• Deadline – Bette Midler script confirmation and Halloween 2026 timing
• Variety – Thora Birch returning interest at InStyle Awards
• Entertainment Tonight – Cast interviews and behind-the-scenes developments

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