The original movie actor explained why he and several other stars did not return for Hocus Pocus 2, citing the sequel's need to simply move onto a new story involving the Sanderson Sisters. In Murray's case, Thackery Binx also died at the end of the first movie.

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 did Omri Katz not appear in 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.”

Why was 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.

Why wasn't Thora Birch in Hocus Pocus 2?

"There were some versions where she was popping in briefly as a cameo. We really tried so hard to make it work, and it was scheduling and the natural chaos of making a movie [that] just didn't work out. I love those characters so much."

Disney MIGHT Make 'Hocus Pocus 2' with ORIGINAL Cast After All?!

Why did Mary's mouth change in Hocus Pocus 2?

Najimy said there's a simple explanation for the change. “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,” the actor told Entertainment Weekly.

Why did people hate Hocus Pocus 2?

Conveniently overlooking that the Sanderson Sisters actually exploded at the end of the first film, it ignores that fact and brings them back for the exact same story. But without the humour or the thrills. Or characters that we even care for. It's just bland and doesn't evoke any sense of nostalgia or fun.

Why weren't the dennisons in Hocus Pocus 2?

Max, Dani, and Allison, however, don't have any impact on Hocus Pocus 2. None of the three original characters return for cameos, with director Anne Fletcher citing their absence as due to difficulties in organically integrating them into the story.

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 wasn't Binx in Hocus Pocus 2?

The original movie actor explained why he and several other stars did not return for Hocus Pocus 2, citing the sequel's need to simply move onto a new story involving the Sanderson Sisters. In Murray's case, Thackery Binx also died at the end of the first movie.

Why is Vinessa Shaw not 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.

Will there be a hocus pocus 3?

Disney boss Sean Bailey confirmed that Hocus Pocus 3 was in the works in June 2023, following the long-awaited sequel being a hit on the streaming service. Hocus Pocus 2's director, Anne Fletcher, is returning for the new movie, according to TheWrap.

Who turned down Max Dennison 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.

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.

Which actress didn't come back for Hocus Pocus 2?

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.

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 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 wasn t Max and Allison in Hocus Pocus 2?

As for Max (Omri Katz) and Allison (Vinessa Shaw), director Anne Fletcher confirmed to Entertainment Weekly in August that they aren't returning, as it was “difficult” to fit them in the new storyline.

Why was Hocus Pocus 2 so bad?

Hocus Pocus 2 is essentially the same movie. They couldn't even be bothered to have fun with the potential It-like premise of child-killing evil returning after 29 years. It has the same meandering, do-nothing/go-nowhere plot.

What is inappropriate in Hocus Pocus 2?

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 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.”

Was Hocus Pocus originally a flop?

Hocus Pocus bombed at the box office in 1993, but it has gained cult status today after popularity from home video releases and TV broadcasts. The movie's release date in July was a major mistake, as it didn't align with the Halloween theme and faced tough competition from other films.

Why is Hocus Pocus inappropriate?

While the Halloween violence is minimal, there are numerous sexual innuendos in this movie that are shocking for a movie that seems to be aimed for kids. Examples include the 16 year old brother snuggling a pillow and pretending it's his crush and numerous references to him being a "virgin".