It’s been over 20 years since Hocus Pocus appeared on the big screen. Since then, the Disney film has become a cult classic, as everyone remembers its greatness thanks to holiday-themed airings. To kick up the Halloween spirit, some of its cast members are revealing behind-the-scenes memories of what it was like to film the holiday staple.
Actress Vinessa Shaw, who’s now known for her role on Ray Donovan , played Max Dennison’s love interest, Allison. The actress was only 16-years-old when she filmed Hocus Pocus . Shaw told ABC News that she had no idea how successful the film would become and how much of a shelf life it would have with all age groups.
“I don’t think any of us had any idea of the magnitude of how popular it would be ’til this day. 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.”
Actress Vinessa Shaw wearing a Hocus Pocus t-shirt pic.twitter.com/IXW4Zmobdx
— Actor Trivia (@ActorTrivia) October 24, 2015
As for what it was like to actually film Hocus Pocus , Shaw said it was like “kids in a candy store.” She went on to talk about her younger co-star Thora Birch and how much they adored each other while making the film.
“Thora [Birch] and I would sing a million songs and run around and be crazy on the Disney lot. Tim Allen’s show ‘Home Improvement’ was filming, so the kids of ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘Home Improvement’ were on the lot and high-fiving each other.”
Thora Birch, who plays Max’s little sister, Dani, wasn’t as thrilled with cats as her character. While Dani bonded with the cursed cat Binx, Thora wasn’t too fond of the feline.
“I had an issue whenever the cat came up. There were a number of live cats, animatronic cats — the thing with the cat was a toss-up.”
This isn’t the only time the cast shared their memories. Back in 2013 on the 20th anniversary of the movie, the cast gathered at Disney Studios in California for a reunion of sorts. Select cast members showed up to sign fan memorabilia. Doug Jones, who played Billy Butcherson, said he was surprised that people in their mid-20s came up to them holding VHS tapes with tears in their eyes.
As for Binx, he was voiced by actor Jason Marsden, but NCIS star Sean Murray was the mortal version of Binx. Although he’s had a successful career on NCIS , the actor says that he’s still recognized for the film. And as a matter of fact, he plans to show his daughter the film this year.
As for Binx’ sister, Emily Binx , recent pictures of former actress Amanda Shepherd emerged all grown up. These days she’s a real estate agent in Malibu.
If it feels like there’s a lot of Hocus Pocus in the air (more so than usual this time of year), it’s because there’s been talk of a possible sequel. While no one went on record to talk about the sequel with ABC News , the Sanderson sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker , and Kathy Najimy) seem down to reprise their roles. Rumors of a sequel have been around for a few years now, but this year Bette Midler started the rumor mill up with a tweet.
. @kathynajimy . @SJP Breaking news!! SEQUEL DELAYED!! @Disney having trouble finding a virgin! #HocusPocus pic.twitter.com/dYnJv7lyNQ
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) October 26, 2015
Stop spreading bogus rumors @BetteMidler we both know @marcshaiman is a virgin @SJP @Disney see u @craftservice https://t.co/G5M4cIi6d6
— kathy najimy (@kathynajimy) October 27, 2015
What’s that you say? Fast and the Furious has six sequels and Hocus Pocus has zero? #HocusPocus pic.twitter.com/y4jHhloEee
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) October 27, 2015
All jokes aside, it seems like the sisters are eager to reprise their roles. The word is still out on the rest of the cast.
[Image via Disney]
