Bette Midler shoots down hopes for 'Hocus Pocus 2'

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Bette Midler shot down hopes for Hocus Pocus 2 on Tuesday.

The 69-year-old actress discussed the potential sequel in a fan Q&A on Facebook. Midler starred as Winnie Sanderson in the original 1993 movie, which remains popular to this day.

"After all these years and all the fan demand, I do believe I can stand and firmly say an unequivocal no," she wrote in response to a query about Hocus Pocus 2.

Midler had expressed interest in a sequel last year, and joked about the potential movie ahead of Halloween in October. Fan frenzy increased after several cast members honored the film's legacy in interviews with ABC News.

Hocus Pocus earned $46 million at the box office, and gained cult status after its release. The movie follows a teenager (Omri Katz) who accidentally resurrects three witches (Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker) on Halloween.

Midler has since starred in The First Wives Club, The Stepford Wives and The Women, and is filming Freak Show with Abigail Breslin and AnnaSophia Robb. The actress and singer will release a new compilation album, A Gift of Love, on Dec. 4.