‘Hocus Pocus’ witches reminisce on the film 25 years later

During the 25th anniversary special, the witchy sisters of Hocus Pocus reflected on their famous spooky flick. The 25th anniversary special aired on Freeform Saturday, Oct. 20.  

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As a part of the network’s 31 Nights of Halloween, Freeform dedicated a night specifically for the cult classic’s 25th anniversary. 31 Nights of Halloween has been running since Oct. 1 and will end on Oct. 31.  

While the special was filmed partially at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, some of the interviews were filmed beforehand. The cast and crew all got together to share their feel-good thoughts about the film’s longevity.

“The idea to me was thrilling and I believed in it,” Director Kenny Ortega says. “I believed that we could do a family Halloween story and laugh at the good humor, and that’s what we did.”

In addition to Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najim, Bette Midler also contributed to the special.

I read the script of Hocus Pocus and I was very intrigued by it because it was an opportunity to do things that I really loved to do, which is play physical comedy and be more than a little broad,” Midler says.

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Parker, who played witch sister Sarah Sanderson went on to describe the strange, but captivating nature of the film.

“I guess what I remember most is how awful we were as characters,” Parker says. “I was surprised that the goal was to get a child and basically destroy them, but because it was done in a really heightened, ridiculous way, it was a lot of fun.”

Hocus Pocus was released in 1993. However, the film has managed to stay relevant in the hearts of thousands.

“I don’t think any of us who were making it at the time thought Hocus Pocus would have such a long life,” Parker says. “People tell me all the time they grew up watching it and that they still watch it. I think it’s wonderful.”

Watch the witches reminisce in these short videos from the special below.

The evening not only showcased the witches’ nostalgia, but it also featured a costume contest, trivia and live music performances by Dove Cameron, PrettyMuch and Junior News System.

What did you think about the Hocus Pocus anniversary special? Sound off in the comments below.