Winifred Sanderson, the eldest of the infamous Sanderson sisters from Disney’s 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus, is a character who has captivated audiences for decades. Played by the legendary Bette Midler, Winifred (often called “Winnie”) is a brilliant mix of malevolence, humor, and eccentricity. As the leader of the trio of witches, she combines villainy with comedy in a way that has made her an enduring symbol of Halloween culture. This article delves into the character of Winifred Sanderson—her personality, role in Hocus Pocus, her portrayal by Midler, and the lasting impact she has had on pop culture.
The Character of Winifred Sanderson
Winifred Sanderson is a powerful witch who, along with her sisters Sarah and Mary, lived in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts. The Sanderson sisters were notorious for practicing dark magic, most notably draining the life essence of children to maintain their youth. The opening of Hocus Pocus shows their eventual capture and execution by the townspeople of Salem. However, before their deaths, Winifred casts a spell that allows the sisters to be resurrected if a virgin lights the Black Flame Candle on Halloween night.
This spell sets the stage for the events of Hocus Pocus. In modern-day Salem, teenager Max Dennison inadvertently resurrects the Sanderson sisters, leading to a chaotic night where the witches attempt to regain their youth by capturing the souls of children once again.
Winifred’s Leadership
As the eldest Sanderson sister, Winifred is clearly the leader of the group. She is intelligent, cunning, and ruthlessly determined to achieve her goals. Her leadership is a blend of charisma and intimidation, often berating her sisters for their incompetence while simultaneously relying on them to help carry out her wicked plans. Winifred’s character is defined by her need for control—she is rarely seen deferring to anyone, even her sisters.
Her power as a witch is evident throughout the film. She demonstrates a wide array of magical abilities, from casting spells to flying on a broomstick (or vacuum cleaner) and commanding her sisters with a flick of her fingers. She has a sharp mind for strategy, but her intelligence is often undermined by her arrogance, which leads to her downfall.
Vanity and Obsession with Youth
One of Winifred Sanderson’s most defining traits is her vanity. She is obsessed with her appearance and terrified of aging, which is why she is so determined to regain her youth through dark magic. Her vanity drives her desire to steal the life force from children, as she and her sisters hope to become eternally young and beautiful.
Winifred’s obsession with youth is also symbolic of her fear of death and irrelevance. While she masks her insecurity with confidence and bravado, it becomes clear that she is deeply afraid of losing control over her life and destiny. This insecurity adds depth to her character, making her more than just a one-dimensional villain.
Sharp Wit and Humor
Although Winifred Sanderson is a villain, her character is also defined by her wit and humor. Bette Midler’s performance brings a comedic flair to the role, with Winifred delivering biting insults, sarcastic remarks, and over-the-top reactions to the absurdity of the modern world. Her interactions with her sisters provide much of the comic relief in Hocus Pocus. She frequently scolds Sarah and Mary for their incompetence, yet there’s an underlying sense of sisterly affection that makes their dynamic all the more amusing.
Winifred’s humor is perhaps best showcased in the film’s iconic musical number, “I Put a Spell on You,” where she performs a spellbinding version of the classic song at a Halloween party. Her theatrical performance, filled with energy and charisma, is a memorable highlight of the film and perfectly encapsulates her larger-than-life personality.
Ruthlessness and Power
While Winifred is undeniably funny, she is also a powerful and ruthless character. Her primary goal is to regain her youth by stealing the souls of children, and she is willing to go to any lengths to achieve this. She shows no remorse for her actions, whether it’s cursing a teenage boy into becoming a cat for centuries or attempting to capture innocent children.
Her ruthlessness is balanced by her occasional vulnerability, particularly when it comes to her fear of aging and her reliance on her sisters. However, her determination to maintain control and achieve immortality makes her a truly formidable villain.
Winifred in Hocus Pocus
Winifred’s role in Hocus Pocus is central to the plot, as she drives the conflict throughout the film. After Max accidentally brings her and her sisters back to life, Winifred immediately sets out to recapture her youth, using her magical powers to wreak havoc on the town of Salem.
Her dynamic with the film’s protagonists—Max, Dani, Allison, and Thackery Binx (a boy cursed to live as a cat)—provides much of the tension and humor. Winifred underestimates her young opponents, believing that she can easily outwit them. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that her arrogance blinds her to the resourcefulness of the teenagers, ultimately leading to her downfall.
The film’s climax features Winifred’s final battle with Max and his friends at the witches’ cottage, where she desperately tries to complete her spell before sunrise. Her demise, as she turns to stone in the light of day, is both tragic and fitting, as her quest for eternal life is thwarted by her inability to adapt to the modern world.
Bette Midler’s Iconic Portrayal
Bette Midler’s performance as Winifred Sanderson is widely regarded as one of her most iconic roles. Midler’s background as a stage performer shines through in her portrayal of Winifred, bringing a sense of theatricality and camp to the character that elevates the film’s tone. Her ability to blend humor, menace, and vulnerability makes Winifred a multifaceted character who is both terrifying and entertaining.
Midler’s portrayal of Winifred is filled with memorable moments, from her exaggerated facial expressions to her dramatic gestures and powerful singing voice. Her performance in the “I Put a Spell on You” sequence is particularly noteworthy, as it showcases her range as both an actress and a singer. Midler’s ability to fully embody Winifred’s eccentric personality has helped solidify the character’s place in popular culture.
Winifred’s Legacy in Pop Culture
Since the release of Hocus Pocus, Winifred Sanderson has become a cultural icon, particularly during the Halloween season. The film has developed a devoted following, with fans revisiting it every year as part of their Halloween traditions. Winifred, with her wild red hair, elaborate green dress, and signature lipstick, has become one of the most recognizable witches in film history.
Halloween Staple
Winifred Sanderson’s image is synonymous with Halloween, and her character has inspired countless costumes, merchandise, and memes. Her distinct look and personality have made her a popular choice for Halloween cosplay, and many fans of the film pay homage to her through elaborate costumes and makeup recreations.
Her lines, particularly “Oh, look, another glorious morning. Makes me sick!” have become widely quoted, and her theatrical flair has earned her a place in the pantheon of beloved Halloween characters.
Hocus Pocus 2 and Continued Popularity
The enduring popularity of Winifred and her sisters led to the release of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022, where Bette Midler reprised her role as the iconic witch. The sequel brought a new generation of fans to the Hocus Pocus universe while reintroducing Winifred’s signature humor and villainy to longtime fans.
Midler’s return as Winifred in the sequel was widely celebrated, proving that the character’s appeal is as strong as ever. The Sanderson sisters, led by Winifred, continue to enchant audiences, and their legacy as Halloween icons is firmly cemented in pop culture.
Conclusion
Winifred Sanderson is more than just a witch—she is an icon. With her sharp wit, vanity, and ruthless pursuit of eternal youth, Winifred has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Bette Midler’s unforgettable portrayal of the character has ensured that Winifred remains a beloved figure in Halloween lore. Whether she’s casting spells, delivering biting one-liners, or leading her sisters in a chaotic quest for immortality, Winifred Sanderson is a character who will continue to entertain and captivate audiences for years to come.
