HOCUS POCUS – (BUENA VISTA PICTURES/ANDREW COOPER)

When a movie first released in 1993 becomes a box office sensation in 2020, people take notice.

Hocus Pocus, the Halloween classic about a trio of witches hungry for children, was directed by Kenny Ortega and starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. In 1993. It was panned by critics and only took in $40 million – a modest bump up from its production costs of $28 million.

But in 2020, everything changed, with studios sending more re-releases than premieres to struggling movie theaters. Hocus Pocus was the retro favorite that outshone other beloved classics like Jurassic Park and The Empire Strikes Back.

Now the Sanderson sisters, and their alter egos, are running amok for three different projects. First, and most exciting, Midler confirmed via Instagram that she, Parker and Najimy are in pre-production for a sequel, though no release date has been announced.

The three also gathered together to work their magic to help get out the vote, encouraging fans to confirm their polling locations, ballot drop boxes and early voting options. You can watch the witchy performance here.

And for your (near) instant gratification, you can watch “In Search of The Sanderson Sisters, A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover,” part of the New York Restoration Project’s annual Hulaween bash, which is streaming worldwide starting at 8pm (ET) on October 30th. The event is hosted by Elvira and features appearances by Meryl Streep, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Eichner, John Stamos and many more luminaries.

Midler posted on her Instagram that the Hocus Pocus sketch ‘”In Search of the Sanderson Sisters” is the best thing to happen to #Halloween since Hocus Pocus + Reeses Pieces.’ She posted a pic of production on her page and it looks amazing.

Bette Midler on Instagram

The New York Restoration Project — a non-profit organization founded by Midler — partners with communities to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the benefits of nature, through its environmental justice work. Find more information and purchase your ticket here.

So what are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.