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,...
“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,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
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...
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...
- 10/23/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
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.
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.
- 10/21/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
While we wait for Disney’s Hocus Pocus 3, Lego has officially announced today that Lego Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage is coming soon!
The official 2,316-piece Lego set will release on July 4, 2023.
“Revisit Salem and the world of the Sanderson Sisters with Lego® Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage. This fan-inspired set is boiling over with nostalgic details from the 1993 Disney movie, Hocus Pocus.”
Selling for $229.99, the set features the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage as well as the film’s iconic graveyard, coming with six Lego mini figure characters plus the black cat Thackery Binx.
You’re getting the following mini-figs in the Hocus Pocus set…
Winifred Sanderson Sarah Sanderson Mary Sanderson Max Dennison Dani Dennison Allison Watts Thackery Binx
Part of the Lego Ideas project, fan designer Amber Veyt is responsible for this set.
You can learn more over on Lego’s official website.
In...
The official 2,316-piece Lego set will release on July 4, 2023.
“Revisit Salem and the world of the Sanderson Sisters with Lego® Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage. This fan-inspired set is boiling over with nostalgic details from the 1993 Disney movie, Hocus Pocus.”
Selling for $229.99, the set features the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage as well as the film’s iconic graveyard, coming with six Lego mini figure characters plus the black cat Thackery Binx.
You’re getting the following mini-figs in the Hocus Pocus set…
Winifred Sanderson Sarah Sanderson Mary Sanderson Max Dennison Dani Dennison Allison Watts Thackery Binx
Part of the Lego Ideas project, fan designer Amber Veyt is responsible for this set.
You can learn more over on Lego’s official website.
In...
- 6/12/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The second Hocus Pocus took nearly 30 years to reach screens, landing on Disney+ last year. From the sounds of it, we won't have to wait quite as long for a third. In a new New York Times profile of Disney live-action production chief Sean Bailey, there is a small mention of the new movie headed our way.
Of course, there has been no official statement from Disney itself, with the movie still in development, and no guarantee it'll actually happen. Still, while the sequel didn't enjoy huge critical success, it did well for the company on Disney+ last October.
Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo hinted to Variety at a potential sequel that would showcase Omri Katz’s Max Dennison and Vinessa Shaw’s Allison Watts.
"We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other," D’Angelo told the trade magazine's site.
Of course, there has been no official statement from Disney itself, with the movie still in development, and no guarantee it'll actually happen. Still, while the sequel didn't enjoy huge critical success, it did well for the company on Disney+ last October.
Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo hinted to Variety at a potential sequel that would showcase Omri Katz’s Max Dennison and Vinessa Shaw’s Allison Watts.
"We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other," D’Angelo told the trade magazine's site.
- 6/4/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
A third “Hocus Pocus” film is officially in development, Walt Disney Pictures president Sean Bailey has confirmed.
In a profile with The New York Times, Bailey stated that “Yes, ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ is happening” when discussing additional upcoming live-action projects in development at the company.
“Hocus Pocus 3” comes after the success of the 2022 sequel “Hocus Pocus 2,” which saw Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprise their children-hungry witching roles. The sequel broke records amongst the Nielson Top 10 streaming charts, taking home the largest opening weekend with 2.7 billion minutes viewed following its Sept. 30 premiere. The Disney+ movie also became the most watched original film for Disney+ over the frame of the first three days of release.
Though not all original “Hocus Pocus” characters were featured in “Hocus Pocus 2,” screenwriter Jen D’Angelo hinted at a potential sequel that would showcase Omri Katz’s Max Dennison and Vinessa Shaw’s Allison Watts.
In a profile with The New York Times, Bailey stated that “Yes, ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ is happening” when discussing additional upcoming live-action projects in development at the company.
“Hocus Pocus 3” comes after the success of the 2022 sequel “Hocus Pocus 2,” which saw Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprise their children-hungry witching roles. The sequel broke records amongst the Nielson Top 10 streaming charts, taking home the largest opening weekend with 2.7 billion minutes viewed following its Sept. 30 premiere. The Disney+ movie also became the most watched original film for Disney+ over the frame of the first three days of release.
Though not all original “Hocus Pocus” characters were featured in “Hocus Pocus 2,” screenwriter Jen D’Angelo hinted at a potential sequel that would showcase Omri Katz’s Max Dennison and Vinessa Shaw’s Allison Watts.
- 6/4/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Omri Katz is an American former child actor best known for his roles as John Ross Ewing III in the television series Dallas and as Max Dennison in the film Hocus Pocus. Like a handful of other child actors, he didn’t have a great run in the industry. So, he decided to hang up his boots and retire. Before he called it quits, the star appeared in several series and films, including Eerie, Indiana, Adventures in Dinosaur City, and Matinee. Katz retired from acting in the late 1990s and has since kept a low profile. Nevertheless, here are 10 things you...
- 4/29/2023
- by Tracy Ume
- TVovermind.com
Halloween is saved! Well not this Halloween, obviously—nothing can save 2020. But next Halloween is shaping up to be a pretty good one. Bette Midler has just confirmed that Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will all be returning for the Hocus Pocus sequel as the sister-witches Winnie, Sarah, and Mary.
“They want to make a movie, they’ve asked us if we were interested and of course all of us said yes,” she told Fox 5 New York. “I’m game, I’m totally game.”
Midler, Parker, and Najimy played the Sanderson Sisters in the original 1993 classic, three witches bent on securing immortality by absorbing the youth of children—a, you know, deadly process. The original film also follows teen boy Max Dennison (Omri Katz), who moves from California to Salem, Massachusetts only to accidentally bring the trio of soul-sucking witches back to life. In the film’s conclusion,...
“They want to make a movie, they’ve asked us if we were interested and of course all of us said yes,” she told Fox 5 New York. “I’m game, I’m totally game.”
Midler, Parker, and Najimy played the Sanderson Sisters in the original 1993 classic, three witches bent on securing immortality by absorbing the youth of children—a, you know, deadly process. The original film also follows teen boy Max Dennison (Omri Katz), who moves from California to Salem, Massachusetts only to accidentally bring the trio of soul-sucking witches back to life. In the film’s conclusion,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
When news of the Hocus Pocus sequel finally moving first broke on Collider in October 2019, it was unclear, at that point, how much of the original film’s cast would be returning. While sources said that writer and co-producer Jen D’Angelo had been “tasked with finding a way to bring back the original cast of Bette Midler as Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah, and Kathy Najimy as Mary,” there haven’t been many cast-related announcements since then. Until now.
Et recently chatted with Midler about her new film, The Glorias, and the subject of the Hocus Pocus sequel came up. While Disney has yet to confirm the return of Midler, Parker, or Najimy, Midler told Et that she is “absolutely” up to reprise her Sanderson sister role, adding that “We’re just talking logistics” and “I can’t wait to fly!” Could a more official announcement be just around the corner?...
Et recently chatted with Midler about her new film, The Glorias, and the subject of the Hocus Pocus sequel came up. While Disney has yet to confirm the return of Midler, Parker, or Najimy, Midler told Et that she is “absolutely” up to reprise her Sanderson sister role, adding that “We’re just talking logistics” and “I can’t wait to fly!” Could a more official announcement be just around the corner?...
- 10/5/2020
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
Double double toil and trouble. We already knew Disney was developing a sequel to the much-beloved classic Hocus Pocus, but now a director has been attached to the project, which is the next step in bringing the story to the big screen.
The original 1993 film was directed by Kenny Ortega (he of High School Musical fame) from a script by Neil Cuthbert and Mick Garris. The sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter, has Adam Shankman attached to direct. Shankman has previously directed films like Hairspray and A Walk to Remember. He is also attached to produce Disney’s Enchanted sequel, titled Disenchanted, which is presumably a thing that is still happening.
The 1993 film became a Halloween classic, despite its meager box office showing, which could partially be blamed on the fact that it was released in July rather than, you know, the Halloween season. That film featured three Salem-based witches played by Bette Midler,...
The original 1993 film was directed by Kenny Ortega (he of High School Musical fame) from a script by Neil Cuthbert and Mick Garris. The sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter, has Adam Shankman attached to direct. Shankman has previously directed films like Hairspray and A Walk to Remember. He is also attached to produce Disney’s Enchanted sequel, titled Disenchanted, which is presumably a thing that is still happening.
The 1993 film became a Halloween classic, despite its meager box office showing, which could partially be blamed on the fact that it was released in July rather than, you know, the Halloween season. That film featured three Salem-based witches played by Bette Midler,...
- 3/4/2020
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
Disney’s “The Lion King” was the big VFX winner Wednesday at the 18th annual Ves Awards at the Beverly Hilton, grabbing three prizes. Meanwhile. Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” won for supporting VFX and feature compositing.
This now gives the edge to “The Lion King” (supervised by three-time Oscar winner Rob Legato) in the VFX Oscar race. Jon Favreau’s breakthrough virtual production and faux live-action aesthetic was due to Mpc Film’s accomplished photoreal animation. Of course, “The Irishman” has been given a boost, too. And we shouldn’t count out “Avengers: Endgame,” seeking to become the first Marvel movie to win the VFX Oscar, even though it came away empty-handed for its extraordinary end battle and outstanding character work on Thanos and Smart Hulk.
Laika’s stop-motion “Missing Link,” the Golden Globe animation winner, took two awards (VFX for animated feature and the Susan Sasquatch animated character...
This now gives the edge to “The Lion King” (supervised by three-time Oscar winner Rob Legato) in the VFX Oscar race. Jon Favreau’s breakthrough virtual production and faux live-action aesthetic was due to Mpc Film’s accomplished photoreal animation. Of course, “The Irishman” has been given a boost, too. And we shouldn’t count out “Avengers: Endgame,” seeking to become the first Marvel movie to win the VFX Oscar, even though it came away empty-handed for its extraordinary end battle and outstanding character work on Thanos and Smart Hulk.
Laika’s stop-motion “Missing Link,” the Golden Globe animation winner, took two awards (VFX for animated feature and the Susan Sasquatch animated character...
- 1/30/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
“The Lion King,” the Disney “live-action” remake that is made up almost entirely of computer-generated characters and backgrounds, has won three awards at the Visual Effects Society’s 18th annual Ves Awards, which were handed out Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
The film won for its virtual cinematography and created environment, and also took the award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature, the Ves category that corresponds most closely to the Academy Awards’ Best Visual Effects category.
“The Irishman,” with its extensive use of de-aging technology, won two awards, including Outstanding Supporting Effects in a Photoreal Feature. “Missing Link” was the top animated feature with two awards.
Also Read: 'The Lion King' Crosses $500 Million Domestic, Will Soon Pass 'Beauty and the Beast'
In the television categories, “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones” each received a pair of awards. So did “The Mandalorian” — including one for “The Child,...
The film won for its virtual cinematography and created environment, and also took the award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature, the Ves category that corresponds most closely to the Academy Awards’ Best Visual Effects category.
“The Irishman,” with its extensive use of de-aging technology, won two awards, including Outstanding Supporting Effects in a Photoreal Feature. “Missing Link” was the top animated feature with two awards.
Also Read: 'The Lion King' Crosses $500 Million Domestic, Will Soon Pass 'Beauty and the Beast'
In the television categories, “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones” each received a pair of awards. So did “The Mandalorian” — including one for “The Child,...
- 1/30/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Disney dominated the 18th annual Ves Awards with five nominations apiece for Jon Favreau’s frontrunner “The Lion King” and Robert Rodriguez’s surprising “Alita: Battle Angel” (acquired from Fox). Joining them for the top photo-real prize were the Disney-led “Avengers: Endgame” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” along with Ang Lee’s “Gemini Man”. The Ves Awards will be held January 29th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Competing for supporting VFX were Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman”, Sam Mendes’ “1917,” (which stitched together the World War I thriller as one continuous shot and offered various enhancements), James Mangold’s “Ford v Ferrari,” Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” and “The Aeronauts.”
In animation, Disney also fared well, with Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” (which grabbed five nominations) and “Frozen 2.” They were joined by Golden Globe nominee “Missing Link” from Laika, surprise nominee “Klaus” (the innovative 2D feature from Netflix and Spanish director Sergio Pablos), and,...
Competing for supporting VFX were Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman”, Sam Mendes’ “1917,” (which stitched together the World War I thriller as one continuous shot and offered various enhancements), James Mangold’s “Ford v Ferrari,” Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” and “The Aeronauts.”
In animation, Disney also fared well, with Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” (which grabbed five nominations) and “Frozen 2.” They were joined by Golden Globe nominee “Missing Link” from Laika, surprise nominee “Klaus” (the innovative 2D feature from Netflix and Spanish director Sergio Pablos), and,...
- 1/7/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Visual Effects Society has unveiled nominations for its 18th annual Ves Awards, which honor VFX work in film, animation, TV, commercials and video games. Winners will be revealed at a ceremony January 29 at the Beverly Hilton.
Disney’s CG redo of the The Lion King and 20th Century Fox’s Alita: Battle Angel lead all film nominees with five apiece, joining the top animated nominee Toy Story 4. In TV, Disney+’s Star Wars spinoff The Mandalorian and the final season of HBO’s epic Game of Thrones lead the field with six nominations each.
Along with naming winners in 25 categories, the group’s ceremony later this month includes honoring Martin Scorsese with the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award. The Ves Visionary Award will be given to Roland Emmerich, and the Ves Award for Creative Excellence will be presented to VFX supervisor Sheena Duggal.
Here’s the list of noms:...
Disney’s CG redo of the The Lion King and 20th Century Fox’s Alita: Battle Angel lead all film nominees with five apiece, joining the top animated nominee Toy Story 4. In TV, Disney+’s Star Wars spinoff The Mandalorian and the final season of HBO’s epic Game of Thrones lead the field with six nominations each.
Along with naming winners in 25 categories, the group’s ceremony later this month includes honoring Martin Scorsese with the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award. The Ves Visionary Award will be given to Roland Emmerich, and the Ves Award for Creative Excellence will be presented to VFX supervisor Sheena Duggal.
Here’s the list of noms:...
- 1/7/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
With 97 Emmys set to be given out over the two-night Creative Arts ceremony, it can be easy to forget that the silos the Television Academy creates for awards purposes belie the need for crafts departments to collaborate as much as possible to create a successful show.
Ask even casually, and artisans at just about every stage of production will stop to acknowledge their crew, co-workers and the departments whose work intertwines with their own. For double Emmy-nommed sound editor Mandell Winter, the producers, director and film editor are his closest collaborators. He works with them to get a careful understanding of what sounds are needed for a project. He also talks with other sound editors to ensure whatever they need makes it to the mixing stage and is part of the overall editorial process, making adjustments as needed.
“It’s really important to have an understanding of how long it takes to do certain things,...
Ask even casually, and artisans at just about every stage of production will stop to acknowledge their crew, co-workers and the departments whose work intertwines with their own. For double Emmy-nommed sound editor Mandell Winter, the producers, director and film editor are his closest collaborators. He works with them to get a careful understanding of what sounds are needed for a project. He also talks with other sound editors to ensure whatever they need makes it to the mixing stage and is part of the overall editorial process, making adjustments as needed.
“It’s really important to have an understanding of how long it takes to do certain things,...
- 9/12/2019
- by Karen Idelson
- Variety Film + TV
It's been 24 years since one of the all-time hunkiest ghosts made his way into our lives, but we've never forgotten about him... Yes, thanks to the release of Hocus Pocus in 1993, we met Thackery Binx. You may remember him as the talking black cat who helped Dani and Max Dennison when they accidentally resurrected the Sanderson sisters—the witches who turned Thackery into an immortal cat 300 years earlier. However, we remember him as the hunky ghost at the end of the film who told Dani he'll always be with her before disappearing off into the distance with his sister. Even in the form of an apparition, his long, flowing locks and dreamy blue eyes have stuck in our memories all these years,...
- 10/26/2017
- E! Online
Can you believe it has been 22 years since Hocus Pocus hit the big screen? Neither can the cast! The cult classic's cast appeared on ABC News to discuss the movie that has since entered the Halloween movie hall of fame and all of them agreed that none of them expected it to be the hit it has ultimately become. "I don't think any of us had any idea of the magnitude of how popular it would be 'til this day," actress Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison Aka the love interest of Max Dennison (Omri Katz). "It just goes to show that when you are young you watch things over and over again and it gets in your head, and just sticks." Now 39, Shaw was 16 when she filmed the Disney hit...
- 10/29/2015
- E! Online
Sarah Dobbs Oct 16, 2019
Hocus Pocus was strongly criticized during its original release, yet has it endured as a Halloween favorite. Why?
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Over the 25 years since Hocus Pocus was released, this daft family comedy has become a kind of Halloween staple. From the beginning of October, you’ll start seeing Hocus Pocus gifs and references popping up – and on Halloween night, you might even spot people dressed up as the Sanderson sisters. Watching Hocus Pocus is a comforting, nostalgic experience, especially for anyone young enough to have experienced it on TV as a kid.
But its reputation as a Halloween necessity is something it’s acquired over the years, because when Hocus Pocus came out, critics hated it. Roger Ebert gave it just one star, and complained that it lacked focus and structure; Entertainment Weekly’s Ty Burr gave it a C-, claiming that for Bette Midler fans,...
Hocus Pocus was strongly criticized during its original release, yet has it endured as a Halloween favorite. Why?
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Over the 25 years since Hocus Pocus was released, this daft family comedy has become a kind of Halloween staple. From the beginning of October, you’ll start seeing Hocus Pocus gifs and references popping up – and on Halloween night, you might even spot people dressed up as the Sanderson sisters. Watching Hocus Pocus is a comforting, nostalgic experience, especially for anyone young enough to have experienced it on TV as a kid.
But its reputation as a Halloween necessity is something it’s acquired over the years, because when Hocus Pocus came out, critics hated it. Roger Ebert gave it just one star, and complained that it lacked focus and structure; Entertainment Weekly’s Ty Burr gave it a C-, claiming that for Bette Midler fans,...
- 10/28/2014
- Den of Geek
It is as much a part of Halloween as pumpkins, trick or treating and stuffing your face with candy. Halloween just wouldn't be Halloween without an annual viewing of the Disney spook-fest that is Hocus Pocus.
Firmly established as a cult classic, the 1993 movie was a surprise hit, taking 8 years to get made and originally being planned as a straight-to-tv project titled Disney's Haunted House.
21 years on from its release, we look back at the film's stars and find out where they are now.
1. Bette Midler as Winnie
What did Better Midler do after Hocus Pocus? She spent the next 21 years being Bette bloody Midler, isn't that enough for you? If you want more specifics, she's been nominated for three Grammys, produced a stage show, starred in her own self-titled sitcom, been on 7 tours, released 7 albums and starred in movies such as Parental Guidance, The Women and The Stepford Wives.
Firmly established as a cult classic, the 1993 movie was a surprise hit, taking 8 years to get made and originally being planned as a straight-to-tv project titled Disney's Haunted House.
21 years on from its release, we look back at the film's stars and find out where they are now.
1. Bette Midler as Winnie
What did Better Midler do after Hocus Pocus? She spent the next 21 years being Bette bloody Midler, isn't that enough for you? If you want more specifics, she's been nominated for three Grammys, produced a stage show, starred in her own self-titled sitcom, been on 7 tours, released 7 albums and starred in movies such as Parental Guidance, The Women and The Stepford Wives.
- 10/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Hocus Pocus was strongly criticised on its original release. But why has it endeared as a Halloween favourite? Sarah revisits the film...
Over the 21 years since Hocus Pocus was released, this daft family comedy has become a kind of Halloween staple. From the beginning of October, you’ll start seeing Hocus Pocus gifs and references popping up – and on Halloween night, you might even spot people dressed up as the Sanderson sisters. Watching Hocus Pocus is a comforting, nostalgic experience, especially for anyone young enough to have experienced it on TV as a kid.
But its reputation as a Halloween necessity is something it’s acquired over the years, because when Hocus Pocus came out, critics hated it. Roger Ebert gave it just one star, and complained that it lacked focus and structure; Entertainment Weekly’s Ty Burr gave it a C-, and claimed that for Bette Midler fans, it was “depressing as hell”. Overall,...
Over the 21 years since Hocus Pocus was released, this daft family comedy has become a kind of Halloween staple. From the beginning of October, you’ll start seeing Hocus Pocus gifs and references popping up – and on Halloween night, you might even spot people dressed up as the Sanderson sisters. Watching Hocus Pocus is a comforting, nostalgic experience, especially for anyone young enough to have experienced it on TV as a kid.
But its reputation as a Halloween necessity is something it’s acquired over the years, because when Hocus Pocus came out, critics hated it. Roger Ebert gave it just one star, and complained that it lacked focus and structure; Entertainment Weekly’s Ty Burr gave it a C-, and claimed that for Bette Midler fans, it was “depressing as hell”. Overall,...
- 10/27/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
With Halloween right around the corner, we're counting down the days by posting five fun or freaky facts about our favorite fright flicks. Today's featured film is "Hocus Pocus." 1. Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Sarah, is actually singing "Come Little Children" in the movie! 2. The role of Max Dennison was originally offered to Leonardo DiCaprio, but was given to Omri Katz when DiCaprio turned it down to appear in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."Check out the gallery above to see what Omri and the rest of the cast looks like now! 3. This is the only feature film Kenny Ortega has directed without also providing the choreography. His other works include "Dirty Dancing," the "High School Musical" movies and "This Is It." 4. Sarah Jessica Parker researched her family history and was shocked to discover that her 10th great-grandmother, Esther Elwell, was arrested in Salem in the late 1600s for committing "sundry...
- 10/25/2014
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Leonardo DiCaprio was almost Max Dennison.In a new interview, the actor reveals he was offered the starring role in 1993 film "Hocus Pocus," a role that eventually went to Omri Katz after Leo turned it down.DiCaprio tells Variety he was offered "more money that I ever dreamed of" to take the part, but he held out so he could audition for "What's Eating Gilbert Grape.""I don't know where the hell I got the nerve," he says. "You live in an environment where you're influenced by people telling you to make a lot of money and strike while the iron's hot. But if there's one thing I'm very proud of, it's being a young man who was sticking to my guns."The gamble paid off, as Leo got his first Academy Award nomination for his work as an autistic teen in the movie.And while he was a staple...
- 2/14/2014
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Talk about working one's magic. Sure, it's pretty much common knowledge that Leonardo DiCaprio passed on starring in Hocus Pocus, but the actor has now revealed in a new interview with Variety that he turned down the part of Max Dennison in the 1993 Halloween comedy despite being offered "more money than I ever dreamed of." It turns out he declined the gig because he was holding out for a part in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, a small indie that he hadn't even auditioned for yet. "I don't know where the hell I got the nerve," DiCaprio said. "You live in an environment where you're influenced by people telling you to make a lot of money and strike while the iron's...
- 2/12/2014
- E! Online
It's just a bunch of Hocus Pocus, but we witches sure love it! On Saturday, Oct. 19, Hocus Pocus castmembers reunited 20 years after the film's 1993 release at an official Disney fan club meeting (in Burbank., Calif. Among those in attendance? Thora Birch (Dani Dennison), Kathy Najimy (Mary of the Sanderson Sisters), Omri Katz (Max Dennison) and Vinessa Shaw (Allison, Dani's classmate and Max's crush). The two remaining Sanderson sisters—Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker—were not in attendance for the nostalgic get-together. Fans, however, made up for their absence by dressing in their likeness for the Hocus Pocus celebration. Props from the movie—including the Winifred...
- 10/23/2013
- E! Online
Talk about a Halloween treat!This weekend, the stars of the classic Disney flick "Hocus Pocus" reunited in Burbank to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary -- and we've got your first look at some awesome photos from inside the intimate affair.Thora Birch (Dani), Omri Katz (Max), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), Kathy Najimy (the hilarious Mary Sanderson) and Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson) were all on hand at the screening and Q&A -- an exclusive event for D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.Check out some photos from the event below:Thora Birch, now 31, posed for photos while wearing the exact same hat her character wore as part of her Halloween costume in the movie.Kathy Najimy posed next to Mary's costume, her cauldron and Winnie Sanderson's spell book. How great does she look these days?!Omri Katz, 37, took time to take photos with fans at the event, which was...
- 10/21/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Maybe these child stars are the smart ones — the ones who escaped Hollywood before their fame trains collided. They're the ones who could offer Amanda Bynes some advice. Before anyone calls these former stars has-beens, consider paying regards to their success at finding stability. Still, we miss you guys! The world isn't the same without Kimmy Gibbler and Ferguson Darling.
Mara Wilson
Signature roles: "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), "Miracle on 34th Street" (1994), "Matilda" (1996), "A Simple Wish" (1999)
Current age: 25
What she's up to now: "Here is something no real celebrity will ever tell you: film acting is not very fun," Wilson wrote on her blog in March 2012. The '90s staple says she has no plans to return to acting. Wilson graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2009 and is now working for nonprofit education group Publicolor.
Andrea Barber
Signature roles: Carry Brady on "Days Of Our Lives" (1982-...
Mara Wilson
Signature roles: "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), "Miracle on 34th Street" (1994), "Matilda" (1996), "A Simple Wish" (1999)
Current age: 25
What she's up to now: "Here is something no real celebrity will ever tell you: film acting is not very fun," Wilson wrote on her blog in March 2012. The '90s staple says she has no plans to return to acting. Wilson graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2009 and is now working for nonprofit education group Publicolor.
Andrea Barber
Signature roles: Carry Brady on "Days Of Our Lives" (1982-...
- 6/6/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
With Halloween right around the corner, we're counting down the days by posting five fun facts about our favorite fright (or holiday-themed) flicks.Today's featured film is "Hocus Pocus" (1993).1. Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Sarah, is actually singing “Come Little Children” in the movie!2. The role of Max Dennison was originally offered to Leonardo DiCaprio, but was given to Omri Katz when DiCaprio turned it down to appear in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."3. This is the only feature film Kenny Ortega has directed without also providing the choreography. His other works include "Dirty Dancing," the "High School Musical" movies and "This Is It."4. Sarah Jessica Parker researched her family history and was shocked to discover that her 10th great-grandmother, Esther Elwell, was arrested in Salem in the late 1600s for committing "sundry acts of witchcraft" to choke a neighbor to death. Esther's case never went to court as the warrant...
- 10/26/2012
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Halloween is near and that basically means that Hocus Pocus is the only thing you should be paying attention to right now. The always favorite film featuring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Mary Sanderson introduced how creepy it is to sing for kids and the cat Max. But more importantly, it also included basically every girl's first crush--Max Dennison, played by Omri Katz. Yes, Thora Birch and the actress Vinessa Shaw (who totally didn't use that salt sparingly) starred too.
Check out 30 of the best Gifs of the movie below!
"Winnie!!!!"
That kid Thackery Binx was pretty hot.
Those teeth.
She sort of looked exactly the same beforehand.
Ice.
Just thinking of herself.
You see Dani, this is what happens when you try to be cool. Witches will sing for you.
--
Have you watched Hocus Pocus yet? Comment below!
Follow Stephanie Webber on Twitter: @rosewebber...
Check out 30 of the best Gifs of the movie below!
"Winnie!!!!"
That kid Thackery Binx was pretty hot.
Those teeth.
She sort of looked exactly the same beforehand.
Ice.
Just thinking of herself.
You see Dani, this is what happens when you try to be cool. Witches will sing for you.
--
Have you watched Hocus Pocus yet? Comment below!
Follow Stephanie Webber on Twitter: @rosewebber...
- 10/15/2012
- by Stephanie Webber
- Filmology
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