Hocus Pocus might have been something of a box-office flop when it first came out but it has without a doubt become a cult Halloween classic since.
To the great pleasure of many of her fans, Bette Midler has dressed up as the iconic Winnie Saunderson for Halloween this year - 23 years since the film came out.
The 70-year-old actor wore her trademark afro-esque burnt orange hair, green and purple robes and sported her prominent toothy grin to celebrate the 21st anniversary of New York's Restoration Project on Friday.
Hocus Pocus has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, with people appearing to have an undying appetite for Midler and her co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the horror-fantasy comedy tells the story of a villainous trio of witches who are resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem in Massachusetts on Halloween night.
“Well, all you Winnie worshipers, a gallery of your favorite witch is coming your way, starting at noon right here on Twitter!” Midler wrote.
“All my horrifying wishes for a most satisfying halloween …. Love, Winnie”.
Fans expressed their delight at Midler’s nostalgic choice of costume. “Bette Midler dressing up as her Hocus Pocus character is all I need to know that it will be the best Halloween ever,” said one. “Bette Midler dressed up as herself in Hocus Pocus and won Halloween,” chipped in another.
