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Leonardo DiCaprio’s Bold Career Move (Photo Credit – Facebook)

Imagine this: Leonardo DiCaprio lighting the black flame candle in Hocus Pocus. But that almost happened. DiCaprio, fresh off Growing Pains and not yet the Oscar-winning legend we know today, was considered for the role of Max Dennison, the sarcastic teen at the center of the witchy chaos in Salem. So, what made him turn down the role of a lifetime for a Halloween cult classic? The answer? A little movie called What’s Eating Gilbert Grape—and some serious guts.

Director Kenny Ortega remembered when DiCaprio walked into the room like yesterday. “The [casting] ladies called me up, and they said, ‘We’re sending you an actor today, but he’s not available, but you’re going to fall in love with him, but you can’t have him,'” Ortega laughed.

Can you even imagine the tease? They said, “You...

The Hocus Pocus franchise has become a mainstay of Halloween playlists thanks in large part to its beloved characters. While the mischievous Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, take center stage with their indelible blend of humor and magic, Doug Jones' portrayal of the resurrected zombie, Billy Butcherson, also left a lasting impression. Billy, a lovable zombie with a heart of gold and a conflicted past, became an integral part of the Hocus Pocus lore and endeared fans with his distinct appearance and dry wit.

In the original 1993 film, Billy is introduced as Winifred's former lover, now cursed to serve the Sanderson sisters in the afterlife. Over the course of the movie, he forms an alliance with the young protagonists and helps them defeat the witches and restore balance in Salem. In Hocus Pocus 2, Billy Butcherson's character arc comes to a poignant...

1993's "Hocus Pocus" remains a Halloween classic that reliably graces the screens of audiences worldwide every spooky season. In fact, for '90s kids who grew up on the movie, there's a strong case to be made for "Hocus Pocus" being the greatest Halloween movie ever, even for adults.

The Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, were the stars of the film, introducing kids everywhere to witchcraft and making the whole thing look undeniably cool even as the trio embarked on a mission to devour children. But the kids who appear in the film were audiences' gateway into the world. Omri Katz's Max Dennison not only had one of the finest examples of that '90s curtain haircut, he was, like all of us '90s kids going into the movie, a fish very much out of water. Having moved from Los Angeles to Salem,...

If you’ve visited Salem, Massachusetts, in the last decade or so, you’re probably well aware that the Disney movie Hocus Pocus was shot there. During spooky season, which now starts in the middle of August and runs through Halloween, the historic coastal city known for being the site of the 1692 witch trials is inundated by fans of the 1993 family film, which stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as 17th-century sister witches who are accidentally resurrected by a Grateful Dead-loving high schooler and, lest we forget,...

Despite the fact that he was not cast as Max after his audition, Hocus Pocus still has a connection to Leonardo DiCaprio's 1997 movie Titanic. Hocus Pocus is one of the major Disney classics when it comes to Halloween movies, its memorable story and amazing cast continuing to entertain audiences more than 30 years later. Though news on the potential Hocus Pocus 3 has been minimal, it would not be surprising if the Sanderson Sisters were not quite done with Salem yet, as the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, was a streaming hit.

Even though it did not get the same amount of praise upon release, the original Hocus Pocus has still stood the test of time. Its popularity continues to allow audiences old and new to rediscover Hocus Pocus' dark moments or hear the stories of its behind-the-scenes journey. One particular fun fact about the original is that Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned...

The 1993 fantasy comedy Hocus Pocus uses the always spooky and atmospheric town of Salem, Massachusetts as its setting, and fans of the movie will be glad to know they can go and visit the locations if they want. The beloved Halloween movie Hocus Pocus is a classic of the holiday season and is fondly remembered for its sometimes scary, often funny, characters and story of three witches who return from the dead to wreak havoc in modern Salem, Ma. It took almost 30 years for a sequel to materialize and now there are plans for a third Hocus Pocus movie.

It's the first film in the franchise that most fans hold so close to their hearts, however. Whether it's the committed performances from acting veterans like Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy; or it's the cozy feeling of Salem in the fall, Hocus Pocus is a movie that's just easy to watch.

Kenny Ortega is now a name associated with some of Disneys biggest hits aimed at children and teenagers, and back in 1993, he brought the story of the Sanderson Sisters to life in Hocus Pocus. Ortega began his career as a choreographer, working in movies like Xanadu, St. Elmos Fire, and Dirty Dancing. In 1992, Ortega made his directorial debut with Newsies, a historical musical drama based on the New York City newsboys strike of 1899. For his second movie, Ortega left musicals aside and focused on a Halloween story with witches, magical books, zombies, and more.

Hocus Pocus

Release Date July 16, 1993Cast Omri Katz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Thora Birch, Bette Midler, Vinessa ShawGenres Family, Comedy, Horror, FantasyRating PGDirector Kenny OrtegaWriters Neil Cuthbert, Mick Garris, David KirschnerDistributor(s) Disney

Hocus Pocus takes us to Salem, Massachusetts, where, on October 31, 1693, the Sanderson Sisters Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah...

Hocus Pocus comes close to a major box office milestone years after its release. Hocus Pocus is a Halloween-themed film originally released in 1993. The movie tells the story about a boy named Max who, upon moving to Salem, Massachusetts, accidentally unlocks three evil witches, played by Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker. In addition to these stars, Hocus Pocus featured a cast including Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Amanda Shepherd, and Larry Bagby. It was followed up by the sequel film Hocus Pocus 2 nearly 30 years later in 2022.

As per Collider, the rerelease of Hocus Pocus is now pushing the film close to a major milestone. Last weekend, the film earned just under $1 million, putting its total at $49.9 million. This means that the rerelease needs to bring in just $100,000 this weekend to push Hocus Pocus past the $50 million mark. During the near-million weekend, the rerelease outperformed some returning 2024 titles,...

The cast of Hocus Pocus returned to Salem, Massachusetts for the second annual It’s Just a Buncha Halloween on October 11-13.

Actors Omri Katz (Max), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), Jason Marsden (Binx), Larry Bagby (Ice), and Tobias Jelinek (Jay) helped organize the fan-focused celebration of Disney’s Halloween classic.

Following a Samhain celebration, a meet and greet, a burlesque show, and a trolley tour, the magical weekend concluded with the actors providing live commentary to a screening of the film at The Cabot in nearby Beverly.

Here are 10 things fans learned about Hocus Pocus…

1. The original script was much darker.

The original script that eventually became Hocus Pocus, written by master of horror Mick Garris, was much darker.

“Most people don’t know that this movie was originally written very scary, and then it was later rewritten to be a comedy,” Shaw explained. “I think it’s so much better as a comedy.

While Sarah Jessica Parker plays the fictional Sarah Sanderson in Disney's Hocus Pocus franchise, the actress has a real-life connection to the Salem witch trials. Premiering in July 1993, Hocus Pocus was a notorious bomb upon release likely due to the dubious decision to release a Halloween movie in the summer. However, thanks to home video and repeat viewings on TV, young millennials fell in love with Hocus Pocus, and the movie became a cult classic. In 2022, a sequel, titled Hocus Pocus 2 was released for streaming on Disney+.

Hocus Pocus 2 saw the return of the notorious Sanderson sisters from the first film. In that movie, Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Parker) Sanderson are three witches who are hung during the Salem witch trials. However, they are resurrected 300 years later when teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) lights the Black Flame Candle. Though they were the villains of the film,...

Disney confirmed in 2023 that a third Hocus Pocus movie was in development, but the current status of the project remains unclear. Not even Doug Jones, who appeared in both Hocus Pocus films as Billy Butcherson, knows when the threequel will actually start filming.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Jones confirmed that he still hasn't been approached to reprise his role as Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus 3. The actor suggested that this was because the three leads --- Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Paker --- haven't yet officially signed on to return as the Sanderson Sisters. Jones believes nobody's going to be approached until all three lead stars are officially confirmed to return, but if and when that call comes his way, there will be no hesitation to return as Billy Butcherson.

Related 'While We're Still Breathing': Bette Midler Urges Disney to Hurry on Hocus Pocus 3...

In many cases, the filming locations of beloved movies take on a lore all on their own. Like the Salem, Massachusetts house that was used as the home of Dani (Thora Birch) and Max (Omri Katz) in Hocus Pocus, or Californias Spring Hill Estate, which was the home of Matthew Lillards Stu Macher in the original Scream, along with a handful of other bigtime productions. But what happens when an entire town becomes the destination for a fandom? Thats precisely what the filmmakers behind The Spirit of Halloweentown set out to discover in their upcoming documentary. Today, Collider is thrilled to debut the exclusive first look at the trailer for the movie that will soon celebrate its world premiere at Fantastic Fest.

Hocus Pocus is heading back to theaters. The fan-favorite 1993 fantasy movie will return to the big screen for a special one-night engagement in October.

Fandango recently asked fans on X if they were "Ready for the Black Flame Candle to be lit again?" before announcing that Hocus Pocus would return to theaters on Oct. 18, 2024. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the PG-rated movie follows teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) as he inadvertently resurrects a trio of witches known as the Sanderson Sisters on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts.

Related Phantom of the Opera Movie in the Works at Disney+ With Hocus Pocus Director

Disney+ is developing a YA reimagination of The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Kenny Ortega. The project could become a major new franchise.

Ready for the Black Flame Candle to be lit again? #HocusPocus is returning to theaters on October 18 pic.twitter.com/i3bG1DdETt Fandango (@Fandango...

Bette Midler is eager for Hocus Pocus 3 to head into production sooner rather than later. The original 1993 film struggled against Jurassic Park but gained a cult following. Fans are excited about the promised sequel, hoping Disney will fast-track production.

The witch is back, and there's hell to pay or at least there will be if Bette Midler gets her wish for Hocus Pocus 3. The Hollywood legend opened up about a potential third installment in the franchise and expressed her desire for Disney to get a move on with the film's production while the cast is "still breathing".

During an appearance on Busy This Week, Midler shared some disappointing news: she has not yet seen a script for the third movie in the franchise. "I haven't seen the script but I've heard rumblings, but I haven't seen anything," Midler said. "But I think if they're gonna [make it], they oughta, because time is not just marching,...

Bette Midler is pushing Disney to accelerate the production of Hocus Pocus 3. The upcoming movie is the follow-up to the 2022 sequel, which was released on Disney's streaming platform.

Despite the official announcement of the third installment in June 2022, Midler revealed on the QVC+ talk show Busy This Week that she has yet to see a script. The actor emphasized the urgency, noting that neither she nor her co-stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, are getting any younger.

Related Hannah Waddingham Addresses Potential Hocus Pocus 3 Return

Ted Lassos Hannah Waddingham shares her reaction to Hocus Pocus fans interest in her possible return as Mother Witch in the upcoming installment.

"I havent seen the script, but Ive heard rumblings," she said. "I think if theyre gonna do it, they ought to hurry because time is not just marching; it's barreling to the finish line. Get us while were still breathing,...

The iconic Bette Midler recently gave an exciting update to Hocus Pocus 3. While details are scarce, a third installment of the Halloween classic is currently being discussed.

With the success of Hocus Pocus 2, a third film may be on the horizon. The sequel, directed by Anne Fletcher, was incredibly well-received despite being released nearly three decades after the original 1993 film. Collider has recently reported on a new update regarding Hocus Pocus 3. While Midler was initially unsure about another installment, on The Jess Cagle Show, Midler confirmed that there had been discussions of a third film.

Related Hocus Pocus Star Is Eager to Return for the Threequel Despite Skipping the Sequel

Hocus Pocus' Omri Katz expresses interest in reprising the Max Dennison role in the 1993 fantasy-comedy's recently announced second sequel.

When discussing the success of the second film, Midler said, We didnt know it was going to be a hit.

Bette Midler says, Theyre talking about a third Hocus Pocus movie. Midler portrayed the eldest of the Sanderson sisters, Winnie, in both the seminal film and the 2022 sequel. The Grammy, Golden Globe and Emmy award winner believes her Hocus Pocus character, Winnie Sanderson, is the closest shell ever get to playing Shakespeare.

Sistahhs I smell a sequel! Fans of the Sanderson sisters need only envision Bette Midler uttering those magical words as her famous and witchy character, Winnie, from the family-friendly Halloween hit, Hocus Pocus. Nearly 30 years after director Kenny Ortegas seminal film hit movie theaters, a Disney+ sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) reunited Midler with her creepy on-screen kin. And now there are more talks of making a third installment.

Will Winnie, Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) all mount their brooms or vacuums once more? Well, Midler is teasing more hilarious high jinks. And if Winnie gets her way,...

Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.

Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!

Matinee 4K Uhd from Shout Select

Shout Select proudly presents Matinee on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray on June 25. The 1993 comedy has been newly restored in 4K from the original negative, supervised by director Joe Dante, with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound.

John Goodman stars as a filmmaker loosely based on B-movie legend William Castle. Cathy Moriarty, Simon Fenton, Omri Katz, Kellie Martin, and Lisa Jakub round out the cast. Charles S. Haas (Gremlins 2: The New Batch) penned the script.

Special features include: a new commentary by film critics Drew McWeeny and Eric Vespe; new interviews with Martin and David Clennon; interviews with Dante, Moriarty, Jakub, production designer Steven Legler, editor Marshall Harvey, and...

Kim Gwizdala and Nikka Markarian have driven four hours to be here today. They’ve dressed in Dallas-style outfits (cropped jackets and black suede cowboy boots) and are sporting Reagan-era ’dos (blown out and heavily feathered). And now, these best friends from Las Vegas, both 32, will spend several more hours in line at a hotel in Burbank, waiting to meet the 83-year-old actress who, decades ago ­— before Gwizdala and Markarian were even born — played J.R. Ewing’s long-suffering wife. The character who tried to buy a baby on the black market, spent the better part of a season locked away in a sanitarium and whose sister shot her husband.

“Linda Gray!” they chime in unison, as if reciting a holy incantation.

And those are just two of the more than 2,500 rabid fans who have converged at the Burbank Marriott on this hazy weekend in March for The Hollywood Show,...

Hocus Pocus 2 cut a Max cameo, along with cameos from Jay and Ice, to trim down the script and focus on characters with a reason to be in the story. Many viewers were disappointed that Max, Dani, and Allison didn't return in Hocus Pocus 2, as the sequel went in a different direction and reinvented the story in modern-day Salem. With the confirmation of Hocus Pocus 3, the original characters can make an appearance, as both Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz have expressed interest in returning to the universe.

Hocus Pocus 2 screenwriter explains why one key cameo was cut from the sequel. After 1993’s Halloween hit Hocus Pocus was released three decades ago, the Sanderson Sisters returned to Salem, Massachusetts, to again create witchery chaos in Hocus Pocus 2. Although the original three witches returned and were portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, the...

Three of the original characters in Hocus Pocus nearly reunited for Hocus Pocus 2.

Speaking about the Disney+ sequel with Entertainment Weekly, Hocus Pocus 2 writer Jen D'Angelo confirmed that Omri Katz nearly reprised his role as Max Dennison. She said there was a version of the screenplay before the final draft with a Max cameo, but the moment was ultimately written out, which D'Angelo said was a "very tough decision." While seeing Max would've been a fun moment, the issue was that it didn't add anything to the story in a meaningful way.

Hocus Pocus 3 Writer Shares Positive Update, Teases Fan Favorite's Return

D'Angelo said that Max's cameo would've showed the characer "very briefly" as he was able to "have one quick moment with the Sanderson Sisters." The writer noted, "There was a version where Max had a cameo. We love these characters so much and they're so...

Disney executives initially disliked Bette Midler's animated performance in Hocus Pocus and were hesitant to cast her as Winnie. Midler was determined to play Winnie in a campy and outrageous manner, despite the studio's reservations. Eventually, the executives accepted Midler's portrayal, and the film gained popularity over the years as a cult classic.

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega revealed in a recent interview that Disney executives hated Bette Midler’s animated performance and were hesitant to cast her for the role of Winnie (via Et Weekly). On Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, three children and a cat must survive the night after accidentally summoning three witches, the Sanderson sisters. Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Sean Murray, and Doug Jones star in the film. Ortega explained that studio executives thought Midler’s performance was too outrageous and animated for the role of Winnie. However,...

The original heroes of Hocus Pocus reunited in Salem to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary, and the actors had a great time. The actors never expected the movie to become such a phenomenon and are amazed by its enduring popularity with the fans. While the original trio of kids didn't appear in Hocus Pocus 2, Vinessa Shaw is open to returning for a potential third installment, even in a small cameo role.

The heroic trio of kids from the original film might have been absent in Hocus Pocus 2, but actors Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw and Thora Birch all reunited in Salem, and with the voice of Thackery Binx (Jason Marsden). The stars of director Kenny Ortega’s Hocus Pocus (1993) converged on It's Just a Buncha Halloween!!! event last weekend. And Shaw couldn’t have been more pleased with her time there. Shaw said (per Bloody Disgusting):

“I had the best time.

The kids from Hocus Pocus reunited after 30 years for an event in Salem, Massachusetts, in honor of the movie's anniversary. The event, called "It's Just a Buncha Halloween," included a costume party, drag show, raffle, and more. Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden reunited as part of the event.

The kids from Hocus Pocus have reunited 30 years later. The 1993 cult classic followed a group of kids in Salem on Halloween night squaring off against the Sanderson sisters, a trio of resurrected witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Those kids included new transplant Max (Omri Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch), Max's love interest Allison (Vinessa Shaw), and Thackery Binx, a teenager trapped in the body of a cat (voiced by Jason Marsden).

Per Bloody Disgusting, in honor of the Hocus Pocus 30th anniversary, Salem, Massachusetts held an event called It’s Just a Buncha Halloween.

Max Dennison, Dani Dennison, Allison Watts, and Thackery Binx made a triumphant return to Salem last weekend, but it wasn’t the Sanderson Sisters who brought them together in the historic Massachusetts town this time. Actors Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden commemorated the Hocus Pocus 30th anniversary with an celebration dubbed It’s Just a Buncha Halloween.

“It exceeded my expectations!” exclaimed Marsden of the festivities, which consisted of a costume party, a meet and greet, and a tour of the filming locations. “Not to present false modesty, I understand how popular this project is, but I never expected the amount of people to flock to the party and to wait out in the rain for hours on end just to say hello to us. What made it all worthwhile was the energy by the local Salemites. It really, really enhanced the experience for us.”

“I had the best time,...

There’s something about Eerie, Indiana that brings out even more early ’90s nostalgia than a pair of Mc Hammer pants or A.C. Slater slamming you into a locker. Right up there with Are You Afraid of the Dark? as some of the all-time best gateway TV horror for kids, Eerie always felt like a must watch if you could catch it on Disney or eventually Saturday mornings on Fox Kids Network. The show idea was simple and easy to relate to when you were a kid because every adult in suburbia seemed weird as fuck at the time. Hell, they still do.

In the show, Marshall Teller (Omri Katz) and his friend Simon (Justin Shenkarow) investigate the weird and possibly sinister happenings of their neighborhood and as usual… the adults never believe them.

Eerie, Indiana is jam packed with Halloween atmosphere and horror goodness and it just so...

It's Halloween, and what's the spooky season without a little "Hocus Pocus," my sweet children? The beloved Disney movie may have been a box office flop when it debuted in theaters back in the summer of 1993. But today, it's a seasonal favorite that many consider one of the greatest Halloween movies of all time. Just earlier this month, the movie re-entered the box office charts in the #10 spot, thanks to 30th anniversary screenings at theaters across the country. The love even spawned a long-anticipated sequel, and though it doesn't quite measure up to the original, there may be another one in the works at Disney.

In the meantime, for those who want more of the Sanderson Sisters stirring up trouble, Lego has you covered. Earlier this year, the building brick company released a Lego version of the creepy Sanderson Sisters' cottage, inspired by a fanmade Lego Ideas creation that was...

Director Kenny Ortega had the chance to meet with Leonardo DiCaprio for a role in Hocus Pocus but couldn't cast him due to his commitment to other films. DiCaprio impressed Ortega during their meeting, with Ortega describing him as "extraordinary and unique." Ortega ultimately cast Omri Katz, feeling that Katz delivered everything he had hoped for in the role.

The director of Hocus Pocus reflects on meeting with Leonardo DiCaprio for a role he knew he couldn't take. The 1993 Disney fantasy-comedy starred Omri Katz and Thora Birch as Max and Dani Dennison, who move to Salem, Massachusetts, where, on Halloween, Max accidentally unleashes the Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Although the movie had a lukewarm box office reception at the time, it has since become a major cult classic that is frequently rewatched around Halloween.

Entertainment Weekly recently chatted...

It’s been 30 years since Winifred Sanderson and her sisters put a spell on fans, and “Hocus Pocus” remains a Halloween classic. So, what are the witchy women up to these days? What about the kids they tormented? Well, at least when it comes to the latter, they aren’t kids anymore.

In fact, you can catch most of them at fan conventions across the country when they aren’t on-screen. Vinessa Shaw, Omri Katz, Thora Birch and Jason Marsden have reunited more than a few times at events in the last few years, as “Hocus Pocus” found its cult following later in its life cycle.

As for the Sanderson sisters, well, they’re obviously still hard at work in Hollywood too. In fact, they just reunited last year for “Hocus Pocus 2” on Disney+.

You can see what the ‘Hocus Pocus” cast looks like now in the photos below.

Hocus Pocus 3 has the chance to explore an intriguing twist involving Allison's character, potentially revealing that she has always been a witch. The new movie could benefit from incorporating more original characters from the original Hocus Pocus cast, adding to the nostalgia factor and excitement for fans. By blending old and new characters, Hocus Pocus 3 can create a thrilling storyline and build upon the mystery surrounding the fates of the beloved original characters.

Hocus Pocus 3 has the opportunity to feature an Allison twist considered after the release of 1993's Hocus Pocus. Vinessa Shaw played Allison Watts in Kenny Ortega's horror-comedy that ended up becoming the ultimate Halloween cult classic. Despite being a vital character in the original movie centered on the Sanderson Sisters, Shaw did not return as part of Hocus Pocus 2's cast. Considering the franchise is just as popular as ever, Disney has...

Director Kenny Ortega was not approached to direct Hocus Pocus 2, but he remains supportive, particularly of the original cast. Ortega has yet to watch the sequel, but plans to do so this Halloween. The absence of the original protagonists in Hocus Pocus 2 was a creative choice, but Ortega is open to future conversations about the franchise.

Hocus Pocus’ director Kenny Ortega wasn’t invited back to the party. Despite the enormous part Ortega’s film plays when it comes to celebrating Halloween each year, he wasn’t asked to return and helm the 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. Ortega said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:

"No, they did not approach me to direct it, which was disappointing, but, of course, in the end, I was very supportive, wanting for Bette, Kathy, and Sarah to have another crack at it. You let go of things, you surrender, you move on,...

Leonardo DiCaprio was considered for the role of Max in Hocus Pocus, but he turned it down to focus on other projects. Director Kenny Ortega thought DiCaprio was amazing, but understood his decision to prioritize other roles. DiCaprio's decision led to him starring in This Boy's Life with Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin, as well as What's Eating Gilbert Grape with Johnny Depp, which earned him his first Oscar nomination.

Leonardo DiCaprio could have squared off against the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus. Today, the A-list Hollywood talent is currently starring in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, but back in 1993 director Kenny Ortega met with DiCaprio while casting the part of Max in Hocus Pocus. Ortega thought DiCaprio “was just amazing,” but the filmmaker knew going in that he had no chance to land the up-and-coming actor. Ortega said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:

"[My casting team] called me up and said,...

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega explains a deleted scene where a Sanderson sister tries to kidnap a child, adding a darker twist to the comedy. The scene was cut for time, but would have fit tonally with the rest of the film and added a balance between the darker side and comedic moments. While the scene could have affected the urgency of the plot, it showcased the impulsive nature of the character and remained faithful to the spooky but fun reputation of Hocus Pocus.

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega reveals a deleted scene where one of the Sanderson sisters attempts to kidnap a child. The 1993 Disney fantasy comedy starred Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches from the 1600s who are revived in the modern world. While a mixed reception and box office underperformance could have led to Hocus Pocus becoming lost to time,...

Director Kenny Ortega reveals that one of his favorite deleted scenes from Hocus Pocus involved Mary Sanderson stealing a child from a grocery store's shopping cart. Ortega praises the improvisational skills of Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker, but acknowledges that not all of their improv could be included in the final film due to time constraints. Kenny Ortega had conversations about a potential spin-off that centered around the character of Allison, played by Vinessa Shaw. Unfortunately, it never materialized.

Despite the Sanderson sisters’ attempts to suck the souls out of Salem’s children, plenty of Hocus Pocus’ magic made the film’s final cut back in 1993. However, director Kenny Ortega reveals that one of his favorite deleted scenes featured the witchy Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) stealing a young child from a grocery store’s shopping cart. Ortega said in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly:

"There...

The original director of Hocus Pocus, Kenny Ortega, revealed that he always saw potential for a spin-off focused on Allison and her potential witchy powers. Hocus Pocus 3 has been discussed as a possibility, with a post-credits scene in Hocus Pocus 2 hinting at the continuation of the story. Any new sequel would need to be developed quickly to include the original cast, as stars like Bette Midler are unlikely to wait another 30 years to reprise their roles.

The arrival of Hocus Pocus 2 last year revived the comedy-horror after three decades, and with it brought a new wave of fans to the spooky franchise. As the Sanderson sisters arose again, with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker returning to their roles, fans began to reminisce about the characters who did not return for the sequel, which included Vinessa Shaw’s Allison and Omri Katz’s Max.

Recently...

Director Kenny Ortega hints at the possibility of Allison being a witch, expressing that he felt there was a little witch in the character throughout Hocus Pocus. While it is not confirmed that Allison is a witch in the Hocus Pocus canon, her fascination with witches and the supernatural raises the theory. The potential for an Allison-based spinoff series was discussed but never materialized, leaving the question of her witch status unanswered, yet open to future exploration.

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega addresses a theory about one of the movie’s key characters. The core of Hocus Pocus is the Sanderson sisters, three devious witches who come back to life after being executed during the Salem Witch Trials. The supernatural movie also includes human characters who interact with these witches, such as Allison (Vinessa Shaw), who was the love interest of protagonist Max Dennison (Omri Katz). Given Allison's extensive knowledge about witchcraft,...

Hocus Pocus shows the Sanderson Sisters killing a child in the opening scene, a dark and disturbing moment in a family-friendly movie. Thackery Binx is cursed to live forever as a cat, unable to save his sister and forced to watch his loved ones die, until the curse is lifted. The Sanderson Sisters worship Satan and mistake a man dressed as the Devil for the Dark Lord, adding a dark and creepy element to the film.

Hocus Pocus is now a must-watch classic during the Halloween season, but even though it’s a family-friendly movie, there are a couple of moments that are actually surprisingly dark. Back in 1993, the fantasy comedy Hocus Pocus arrived to introduce the audience to the Sanderson Sisters – Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) – three powerful witches with a thirst for power and youth. Directed by Kenny Ortega, Hocus Pocus took views to Salem,...

Actors have been turning down leading roles, for one reason or another, since the beginning of the movie business. In most of these cases of role rejection, the eventual choice for leading man or woman seems irrefutable. Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump. Titanic wouldn't be nearly as watchable without Kate Winslet as Rose. Anyone other than Al Pacino as Michael Corleone? Forget about it. Still, with the benefit of hindsight, it's fun to imagine what could have been, like John Travolta being the one to say "life is like a box of chocolates," or Gwyneth Paltrow clinging onto the door, or Jack Nicholson making someone an offer they couldn't refuse. Here's another one for you: what if Leonardo DiCaprio had been the one to light the black flame candle?

Sure, the 1993 Disney film Hocus Pocus may not be on the iconic level of the previously-mentioned movies, and yes, Omri Katz...

A lot has changed since "Hocus Pocus" (aka The Ultimate Halloween movie) was released in 1993, especially the actors. Ok, maybe Bette Midler looks mostly the same, but the child and teen stars from the original haunting tale are all grown up now. And while some, like Thora Birch and Sean Murray, have continued to act in film and TV, others, like Omri Katz, have moved on to other projects. Only the original Sanderson sisters - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and Midler - plus Doug Jones returned in 2022's long-awaited sequel, but we can always watch the original movie again and revisit the Salem residents we first fell in love with.

Back in 2018, Parker confessed on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" that though the movie is a classic with fans, her own recollection of it was pretty hazy. "I don't have a lot of memories. I remember the filming of it.

With its 30th-anniversary rerelease the family-friendly Witches of Eastwick secures its status as a sweet-natured and sometimes weirdly brutal cult favourite

Maybe it’s beside the point to have a 30th-anniversary rerelease for Disney’s Halloween witch comedy starring Bette Midler – it’s been on a kind of permanent, low-level rerelease for three decades. The persistent, annual revival on US TV since it bombed on its cinema release in 1993 is supposed to be what’s gradually turned this film into a slow-burn success and then a cult favourite. Watching it again reveals Hocus Pocus to be … well … the pretty good film that it should have been recognised as at the time, a sort of family-friendly Witches of Eastwick.

A cheeky 17th-century prologue sequence in Salem, Massachusetts establishes that – whatever Arthur Miller might claim – witches with evil power were a real thing and the menfolk of the time were entirely justified in hating and fearing them.

Hocus Pocus, the beloved Halloween film, will be returning to cinemas for its 30th anniversary on October 6th. The film initially didn't receive much praise upon its release in 1993 but gained a cult following through frequent airings and video rentals. Fans can celebrate Hocus Pocus not only by watching it on the big screen but also by attending the official Black Flame Ball in Salem, organized by D23.

The Sanderson sisters are bigger than ever, and Disney is ready to give fans all the more reason to celebrate. The beloved Halloween film, Hocus Pocus, will be returning to cinemas to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary! The screenings will be happening on October 6th. Currently, no information has been announced in terms of where one can purchase tickets or what service fans can grab their seats. But one would want to keep an eye on the official Hocus Pocus social media accounts,...

Don’t believe anything you read. Hocus Pocus is a damn good movie. From its opening frame, the 1993 film contains all the magic and wonder you could want from a gateway horror movie – earning its place next to other ‘90s essentials like Halloweentown. It’s got a talking black cat, spooky spellcasting, a zombie, and three children-eating witches – oh my! Released in the height of summer (July 12), the Kenny Ortega-directed feature hasn’t lost its allure. In fact, its legacy is as strong as ever. It’s still an extraordinarily fun picture 30 years later.

Hocus Pocus endures because of nostalgia. In the era of TV reboots, remakes, and requels, millennials yearn for their childhood and a simpler time. There’s a reason we got a completely unnecessary sequel last fall. But more importantly, Hocus Pocus defines an entire generation of horror fans. For many, it was their very first spooky movie.

Hocus Pocus 2's costume department enlisted the services of a real-life witch, according to the fantasy-comedy's lead costume designer Salvador Pérez Jr.

Pérez revealed that an actual witch helped design the Sanderson sisters' outfits in an interview with Variety. "One of my costumers happened to be a witch, so she was able to talk to me about the details and their meanings," he said. "I want[ed] things on the costume that are positive." Pérez also confirmed that he had conversations with original Hocus Pocus costume designer Mary E. Vogt about how she approached the Sanderson siblings' witchy attire before revamping the coven's wardrobe for the sequel.

Related: Hocus Pocus' Sanderson Sisters' Cottage Gets An Elaborate Lego Set

The costumes Pérez and his team fabricated for Hocus Pocus 2 seem to have done the trick, as the belated follow-up film racked up record viewership numbers when it debuted on Disney+...

30 years ago, Hocus Pocus was released, launching a cultural obsession that inspired a sequel and arguably the greatest Lego set of 2023. And three decades after the original movie introduced the world to the Sanderson Sisters we finally have an answer to the darkest mystery inspired by the ending, thanks to that Lego set.

The new Lego Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters' Cottage set, released on July 4, 2023 captures the notorious home of Winifred, Sarah and Mary in incredible detail, with 2316 bricks and 6 minifigures. It's a genuine must for all Hocus Pocus fans and an instantly collectible addition to Lego's lengthening list of movie and TV tie-in sets. And it comes with the kind of joyous details that makes Lego licensing agreement so inspired, including a gag answering the 30-year-old ending mystery that Hocus Pocus 2 forgot to answer.

Buy your Lego Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters' Cottage Here

Lego's...

Sam Richardson addresses whether his surprise villain, Gilbert, will return for Hocus Pocus 3. Disney recently confirmed that a third movie in the franchise was in development after the success of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022. The Disney+ release marked the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, which first premiered in 1993. While Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy returned as the iconic Sanderson sisters, as did Doug Jones' Billy Butcherson, Hocus Pocus 2 introduced a new cast of modern characters, among them including Gilbert, who proved to be an unlikely villain.

While speaking to TheWrap at the red carpet premiere of The Afterparty season 2, Richardson addressed the potential of his return in Hocus Pocus 3. Richardson didn't officially confirm Gilbert's return, which isn't surprising considering that the movie is still in very early development, though he did confirm he would like to return as his surprise sequel villain.

Rosie O'Donnell explains why she turned down a role in Hocus Pocus. The movie, released back in 1993, follows an infamous trio of witches known as the Sanderson sisters, who were accidentally resurrected one Halloween night. To preserve their youth, the witches targeted Max (Omri Katz) and Dani Dennison (Thora Birch), intending to steal their life forces and wreak havoc on Salem, Massachusetts. Hocus Pocus has become a holiday classic in the years since its debut, and audiences have praised the performances of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.

During a recent interview with THR, O'Donnell reveals that she was approached for the role of Mary Sanderson, the witch played by Najimy. The actor explains that she decided to turn down Hocus Pocus due to the jokes surrounding Mary's appearance, and because she did not want to be mean towards children. Read O'Donnell's comments regarding Hocus Pocus below:

"Yes.

Hocus Pocus fans would say that the casting for the classic Halloween comedy film is perfect, especially that of the Sanderson Sisters. Before they reprised their roles as the villainous witches in last year's Hocus Pocus 2, the original film from 1993 starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. But that trio and their dynamic could have been quite a bit different had Rosie O'Donnell accepted the role of one of the characters.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, O'Donnell confirms that she passed on Hocus Pocus. She clarifies that she was up for the role of Mary Sanderson, the witch played by Najimy in the film. O'Donnell explains that while she would have loved working with Midler and Parker, she just wasn't interested in that role, not wanting to be portrayed as a "fat, mean witch" who murders children. As O'Donnell puts it:

"I was offered the Kathy Najimy part.

Hocus Pocus has become the latest Disney property to receive a Lego Ideas set.

Lego.com recently unveiled Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters' Cottage, a fan-inspired set based on the 1993 fantasy comedy film, Hocus Pocus. The impressive 2,316-piece project comes with six minifigures, including all three of the Sanderson Sisters, Max Dennison, Dani Dennison, and Allison Watts, as well as a Thackery Binx (in cat form) figure. The set will be released on July 4 with a price tag of $229.99.

Related: Why Original Hocus Pocus Stars Weren't Invited to the Sequel

Put a spell on it and make it yours! The new Lego Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters' Cottage set has been summoned to stores… pic.twitter.com/Qd7YSGA7pY — Lego (@LEGO_Group) June 12, 2023

The Hocus Pocus set is intended for ages 18+, making it part of Lego's growing collection of adult-focused sets. The description for the Disney...

Hocus Pocus star Omri Katz recently confirmed that he's keen to return for the franchise's third installment, despite not appearing in Hocus Pocus 2.

Katz, who played Max Dennison in the first Hocus Pocus movie, expressed interest in taking part in the recently announced threequel in an email exchange with Entertainment Weekly. "Yes, I would return if Disney approached me," he wrote. "It would be an honor to return, hopefully with some of my fellow castmates, and make a fun addition to the franchise!" Katz also described himself as "excited" for Hocus Pocus 3 and said he was "glad" that the franchise has achieved a greater level of popularity 30 years after the original movie premiered.

Related: Original Hocus Pocus Star Says They Were High While Filming

Katz, Thora Birch (Dani Dennison) and Vinessa Shaw (Allison Watts) were notably absent from Hocus Pocus 2, despite serving as the protagonists of its predecessor.

Maximilian "Max" Dennison actor Omri Katz discussed his character's possible return in Hocus Pocus 3. The original 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus centered on the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of mischievous witches portrayed by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. After Max (Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch), and Max's classmate Allison Watts (Shaw) accidentally summon the Sanderson Sisters from a three-century banishment, the children must race against time to vanquish the witches before they steal Dani's life force. Although Midler, Najimy, and Parker returned for 2022's sequel, Katz was notably absent from the cast, with the story focusing on a new group of young characters.

On the heels of Hocus Pocus 3's announcement, Katz spoke to EW and addressed Max's possible return to Disney's Halloween franchise after missing out on the sequel. The actor expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming sequel and admitted he would reprise his role if asked.