Though original Hocus Pocus actress Thora Birch didn't reprise her beloved role as Dani in Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel stars who took the reins from the 1993 film's OG roster of teens tell EW what might've happened if a grown-up version of her character appeared in director Anne Fletcher's film as first planned.

Who didn't come back for Hocus Pocus 2?

As Murray explains, it's probably best that some original Hocus Pocus actors did not return for the sequel. In addition to Murray, this also includes Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Vinessa Shaw.

Why didn't they bring back the original cast for Hocus Pocus 2?

'Hocus Pocus' stars open up about why they aren't in sequel: 'It just didn't work' The Sanderson sisters were brought back to life in “Hocus Pocus 2,” but the children's franchise couldn't strike the right alchemy for some of its original cast members.

Why weren't Max and Allison in Hocus Pocus 2?

Fletcher (via EW) explained that bringing back Max and Allison would have made it hard for Hocus Pocus 2 to stay on track while exploring so many new figures and storylines, with quick cameos also being decided against.

Why is Max not in Hocus Pocus 2?

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.

'Hocus Pocus 2' stars talk about reprising iconic witches | Nightline

Why didn't Omri Katz come back for Hocus Pocus 2?

“I do know that there were, along the way, some concepts and some ideas about ways to bring us back. And for whatever reason, it just didn't work.” The actress joked that ultimately, “what we like to say in the business: we had scheduling conflicts.”

Who turned down the role of Max in Hocus Pocus?

Leonardo DiCaprio had the chance to play the lead role of Max Dennison in 1993 cult classic fantasy comedy movie Hocus Pocus, but ultimately turned it down.

What did Kenny Ortega think of Hocus Pocus 2?

Kenny told 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, you don't hold on, you don't have ownership.

Why does everyone hate Hocus Pocus 2?

The choice of one of the songs fell flat (especially with kids, the target audience, who found it cringy, and with returning fans who noticed the rehashing of some musical elements). Overall, the main 2 problems were that the Sanderson sisters no longer felt like a threat and that the story was boring and incomplete.

What happened to Dani in Hocus Pocus?

Dani was planned to make a return in Hocus Pocus 2 during early development, but Thora Birch's scheduling conflicts with the upcoming Netflix series Wednesday prevented her from reprising the role, and was removed from the finished product.

Which actors returned for Hocus Pocus 2?

Hocus Pocus 2 welcomes back Billy Butcherson, the book, Cobweb the cat, and of course Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy — though Omri Katz and Vinessa Shaw won't return.

Did anyone make a cameo in Hocus Pocus 2?

Doug Jones also returns for the sequel as Billy Butcherson, a zombie resurrected by the witches who turns against them in the first movie. However, none of the child actors who played the protagonists Max (Omri Katz), Dani (Birch), and Allison (Vinessa Shaw), make an appearance in the sequel.

Is Dani the witch in Hocus Pocus 2?

Dani Dressed As Mother Witch

Thora Birch may not have returned for the sequel, but a piece of the beloved Dani Dennison lived on in Hocus Pocus 2. On Halloween night in 1993, Dani dressed as a witch, a red and black costume with some fiery fur and covered in golden moons.

Why was Thackery Binx not in Hocus Pocus 2?

When asked about the potential return of Max, Dani, Allison, and Binx, Fletcher said she decided to avoid it as she couldn't find a way to include them in the story organically. Binx not returning was for the best. However, the Hocus Pocus 2 post-credit scene opens up the possibility for a third film.

Is Emily Binx in Hocus Pocus 2?

Didn't Return: Thackery Binx (Sean Murray)

Murray did not return to Hocus Pocus 2, nor was there any mention of Thackery or his little sister Emily, aside from some 1993 flashback footage of the Sanderson Sisters attacking Emily, featuring Emily's portrayer Amanda Shepherd.

What happened to Max Dennison?

Omri Katz (Max Dennison)

Of all the “Hocus Pocus” stars, Omri Katz is the only one who largely left Hollywood after starring in the film. Today, he runs a cannabis brand, but has noted that he'd be open to returning for future “Hocus Pocus” projects.

Why did Max not return in Hocus Pocus 2?

Due to the film focusing on a new batch of teens, Katz and Shaw have not reprised their roles as Max and Allison. EW reported that Katz said via his representative Nery Lemus: "People have been asking, and unfortunately, I'm not in it. I would have loved to be involved.

Why is Hocus Pocus 2 inappropriate?

Parents need to know that Hocus Pocus 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to Disney's hugely popular 1990s fantasy comedy Hocus Pocus. Like the original, the witchy sequel is family-friendly overall but does have magical violence, name-calling, and gross-out scenes, mostly involving a decapitated zombie.

Why is the ending of Hocus Pocus 2 so sad?

The somber moment is the film's greatest lesson. Winifred asks Becca and her "coven" to do a spell to reunite her with Mary and Sarah. Becca, Izzy and Cassie succeed but sadly, it just means Winifred dies to join her sisters. Winifred lets out one last, "Sisters!" before vanquishing.

Why did Kenny Ortega leave Disney?

In 2019, Netflix plucked Ortega away from the Disney Channel to sign a multiple-year overall deal with the streaming giant, and with Auntie Claus and the tween musical Julie and the Phantoms among his first projects.

Why is her smile backwards in Hocus Pocus 2?

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly Kathy Najimy explained she switched the side of the smile to the left as it was getting too difficult to do it on the right side. She said: "It's on the other side mainly because it's so hard for me to do it on the side I did it on 30 years ago.

Why are parents upset about Hocus Pocus 2?

Gooch first warned parents about the film on social and then joined CBS' local Texas affiliate Kwtx for a now-viral interview. “A worst case scenario is: you unleash hell on your kids and in your home,” Gooch said. “The whole movie is based on witches harvesting children for blood sacrifices.”

Is Max and Dani in Hocus Pocus 2?

OG Hocus Pocus actors aren't in Hocus Pocus 2 — but here's how Max, Allison, and Dani are! Max, Allison, and Dani play an important role in Hocus Pocus 2, even if the actors who played them in the 1993 original aren't in the movie.

Is Leonardo DiCaprio in Hocus Pocus?

Leonardo DiCaprio Turned Down Role In Original 'Hocus Pocus' And Has No Regrets: “I Don't Know Where I Got Those Little Balls” | Decider.

Who else auditioned for Hocus Pocus?

In the early 90s, a young Leonardo DiCaprio had some sort of audition with Ortega. He was frank about being in the casting process for two other movies: This Boy's Life and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. DiCaprio has said he was offered a large sum to be in Hocus Pocus.