You know the feeling. It’s October, the air is crisp, and suddenly you’re craving a viewing of that one 1993 Disney flick that bombed at the box office but somehow became the undisputed king of Halloween. I’m talking about Hocus Pocus. It’s a weirdly perfect movie. But honestly, the magic isn't just in the spells; it’s in the people who brought those dusty old robes to life. If you’ve ever wondered who played in Hocus Pocus and what happened to them after they turned to dust (or didn't), you're in for some surprises.
The casting for this movie was a total roll of the dice. Imagine a world where Max Dennison was played by a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Seriously—it almost happened.
The Iconic Sanderson Sisters: The Trio That Made the Movie
At the center of everything are the three sisters. They are the reason we’re still talking about a movie that’s over thirty years old.
Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
Winifred is the brains of the operation. Bette Midler, "The Divine Miss M," took this role and ran with it. She brought a Broadway-level energy that basically forced the movie into existence. Did you know the film was stuck in "development hell" for years until she signed on? Midler has called Winifred her favorite role ever. Think about that: a woman with Tonys, Grammys, and Oscar nominations loves playing a buck-toothed witch the most. It shows.
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Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
Before she was Carrie Bradshaw, SJP was the ditzy, boy-crazy Sarah Sanderson. She actually sang her own siren song, "Come Little Children," which is still hauntingly good. Fun fact: while researching her family history years later, Parker discovered her 10th great-grandmother was actually accused of witchcraft during the real Salem trials. Talk about life imitating art.
Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
Kathy Najimy was fresh off Sister Act when she took the role of Mary, the middle sister who can smell children. That signature crooked-mouth look she does? That was all Kathy. She just tried it during rehearsals, and it stuck. Interestingly, the role was first offered to Rosie O'Donnell, who turned it down because she didn't want to play a "scary witch" who kills kids.
The Kids Who Fought Back
The witches are great, but you need someone to light the Black Flame Candle.
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Omri Katz played Max Dennison, the "virgin" from Los Angeles who starts the whole mess. Omri was actually pretty sick during his audition and almost didn't get the part. He eventually retired from acting in 2002 and now runs a cannabis company called The Mary Danksters. He still pops up at fan conventions though, usually wearing a "flannel-and-jeans" look that hasn't changed much since 1993.
Then there’s Thora Birch as Dani. She was just a kid then, but she was already a pro. Thora went on to do massive movies like American Beauty and Ghost World. She’s often said that Hocus Pocus was the most fun she ever had on a set.
Vinessa Shaw played Allison, the girl-next-door who knew more about the local lore than anyone. Vinessa has stayed busy in Hollywood, appearing in everything from Eyes Wide Shut to the horror hit The Hills Have Eyes.
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The Supernatural Supporting Cast
You can't talk about who played in Hocus Pocus without mentioning the guy who spent hours in a makeup chair every morning.
- Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson: The world’s friendliest zombie. Doug Jones is a legend in the "creature" acting world (think The Shape of Water and Hellboy). In the scene where moths fly out of his mouth? Those were real moths. They used a dental dam to keep them from going down his throat.
- Jason Marsden (Voice of Thackery Binx): While Sean Murray played the human version of Binx, it was Jason Marsden who voiced the cat. He’s one of the most prolific voice actors in the business today.
- Garry and Penny Marshall: The legendary director siblings made a hilarious cameo as the "Master" and his wife. It was basically a favor to the director, Kenny Ortega.
Why the Cast Matters More Than the Script
Looking back, the script for Hocus Pocus was originally much darker. It was supposed to be a straight-up horror movie. But once this specific group of actors got together, the chemistry shifted. It became campy. It became a musical.
The Sanderson sisters returned in 2022 for Hocus Pocus 2, which was a huge hit on Disney+. Seeing Bette, Sarah, and Kathy back in those costumes felt like a fever dream for fans who grew up with the original. It’s rare to see a cast maintain that kind of spark after three decades.
How to Dive Deeper Into the Fandom
If you're looking for more than just a list of names, there are a few things you should actually do:
- Visit Salem: The "Ropes Mansion" (Allison’s house) is a real museum you can tour.
- Watch the 25th Anniversary Special: It was filmed at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and features interviews with the original cast.
- Check out the sequel: Hocus Pocus 2 brings back Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson alongside the sisters, and it’s surprisingly heartfelt.
The legacy of this film isn't just about the special effects or the "I Put a Spell on You" sequence. It's about a group of actors who took a "box office bomb" and turned it into a cultural institution. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about that weird witch movie your friends love, the cast of Hocus Pocus remains one of the most unique ensembles in Disney history.