Let’s be real for a second. Without Dani from Hocus Pocus, the Sanderson sisters would have won in approximately twenty minutes. Max was too busy being a "cool" California transplant, and Allison was busy being the girl of his dreams. But Dani? She was the one calling out the nonsense from the jump.
Played by an 11-year-old Thora Birch, Dani Dennison wasn't just a "tag-along" little sister. She was the moral compass of the 1993 cult classic. Honestly, it’s been over thirty years, and fans are still obsessed with her sass, her DIY witch costume, and that heartbreaking bond she had with Binx the cat.
But there’s a lot people still get wrong about her—and the reason she vanished from the sequel is actually kind of a bummer.
The Character Everyone Loved (And Winifred Hated)
Dani Dennison is basically the blueprint for the "spunky 90s kid." She didn't take any of Max’s attitude. When he was acting like an embarrassed teenager, she was the one forcing him to go trick-or-treating.
What makes her stand out—even now—is that she was genuinely brave. Think about it. Most kids would be a puddle of tears if three 300-year-old witches tried to suck their soul out. Dani? She sat in that electrified chair and insulted Winifred’s face. She called her ugly. To her face.
The dynamic between Thora Birch and Bette Midler was electric because Birch didn't play Dani as a victim. She played her as an adversary. Birch has mentioned in various interviews that being "sassy" was actually encouraged on set. It felt natural to her.
Why the Costume is Still a Halloween Staple
If you go to Salem in October (or any Spirit Halloween, really), you're going to see a "Dani." Her outfit is legendary. It wasn't some sleek, store-bought Disney princess look. It was a messy, layered, sun-printed masterpiece.
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- The orange-rimmed witch hat.
- The sun-print tunic with the lace-up neck.
- That fringed scarf that probably took the costume department hours to knit.
- The black skirt with the colorful ribbons.
It looked like something a real kid in 1993 would have cobbled together from a craft store and their mom's closet. That’s why it has stayed iconic. It feels attainable.
What Actually Happened with Dani from Hocus Pocus in the Sequel?
When Hocus Pocus 2 was announced for Disney+, the first question everyone had was: "Where is Dani?"
It’s no secret that fans were crushed when she didn't show up. It felt like a piece of the puzzle was missing. Especially since we got the Sanderson sisters back, along with Billy Butcherson. So, why was she left out?
The short answer: Scheduling.
Thora Birch was actually supposed to be in the movie. According to reports from Variety and Entertainment Weekly, there was a version of the script where a grown-up Dani played a "supporting role." Specifically, Birch mentioned she had an idea that Dani would be running the Sanderson house as a museum—basically acting as a guardian to make sure no one lit the Black Flame Candle again.
Which, honestly? That’s genius. It makes total sense for her character.
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Unfortunately, Birch was busy filming the Netflix series Wednesday (though she eventually left that project too for personal reasons). By the time the schedules were being hammered out, the window closed. The director, Anne Fletcher, later said that trying to cram Max, Allison, and Dani into cameos felt "unsatisfying." They didn't want to give them five seconds of screen time and anger the fans.
The Bond with Thackery Binx
You can't talk about Dani from Hocus Pocus without talking about the cat.
The relationship between Dani and Binx provided the only real emotional weight in a movie filled with vacuum-riding witches and slapstick comedy. When Binx finally gets to "die" and go to heaven at the end of the film, Dani’s reaction is what makes every millennial cry to this day.
It was a heavy theme for a Disney movie. A child grieving a pet that was actually a 300-year-old boy. But Birch sold it. She made the stakes feel real. When she tells Max, "I'll miss him too," it isn't just a line. It’s the moment the movie stops being a comedy and becomes a story about loss.
Where is Thora Birch Now?
Thora Birch didn't just disappear after 1993. She went on to become an "it girl" for indie cinema.
- American Beauty (1999): She played Jane Burnham and got a BAFTA nomination.
- Ghost World (2001): This is a cult classic in its own right. She played Enid, the ultimate cynical teen.
- The Walking Dead: More recently, she showed up as Mary (Gamma), proving she can still handle the "spooky" genre with ease.
She also made her directorial debut in 2022 with The Gabby Petito Story. She's still very much in the industry, even if she’s more selective about her roles these days.
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Could Dani Return in Hocus Pocus 3?
Here is the good news. Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development.
And Thora Birch is not playing hard to get. In a 2024 interview, she said she is "super open" to the idea of returning. She’s curious to see where Dani ended up. Did she stay in Salem? Did she become a teacher? Is she secretly a "white witch" like some fan theories suggest about Allison?
The fans want it. Birch wants it. Disney just needs to write the check.
Actionable Insights for Hocus Pocus Fans:
If you're looking to channel your inner Dani Dennison this year, don't just buy a costume. Focus on the DIY elements. Look for a vintage orange T-shirt and use fabric paint for the sun designs. The "authentic" Dani look is all about the layers and the fringe.
Also, if you're visiting Salem, make sure to check out the "Dennison House" at 4 Ocean Avenue. Just remember it's a private residence—don't be the person who tries to break in to find a black cat. Respect the homeowners, take your selfie from the sidewalk, and keep the legend of Dani alive.
The real takeaway from Dani's story is simple: stay sassy, call out the witches in your life, and never, ever light a mysterious candle if you're a virgin. Or even if you aren't. Just leave the candles alone.