Hocus Pocus Where are They Now? Hocus Pocus Cast Then and Now
by Kavitha
Updated Oct 28, 2023
Hocus Pocus
"Hocus Pocus" is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega. The story revolves around a teenage boy who accidentally resurrects three witches in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night. The witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, team up for a comedic adventure.
Initially, the film received mixed reviews and was not very successful at the box office, causing Disney some financial losses. However, over the years, it gained popularity through annual airings on television channels during October. This tradition, along with the celebration of Halloween, turned "Hocus Pocus" into a cult classic.
Due to its enduring popularity, the film led to a franchise, including a sequel novelization, a theme park attraction, a TV special, a short film, and even a Lego set. The sequel, "Hocus Pocus 2," was released on Disney+ in September 2022, and a third film was announced in June 2023. The movie's charm and Halloween theme have made it a beloved favorite among audiences.
Hocus Pocus Where are They Now?
The cast of "Hocus Pocus" has certainly kept busy since the movie's release in 1993. Here's what they've been up to:
Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson): Bette continued her acting and singing career, starring in various movies and stage productions. She won a Tony Award for her role in Hello, Dolly! and appeared in TV shows like "The Politician."
Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson): Sarah found success in "Sex and the City" and its subsequent movies. She also launched her footwear line, SJP Collection. She returned to the role of Carrie Bradshaw in the "Sex and the City" sequel series.
Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson): Kathy appeared in several TV shows and movies, including voicing Peggy Hill on "King of the Hill." She reprised her role as Mary Sanderson in the Hocus Pocus sequel.
Omri Katz (Max): Omri appeared in a few projects before retiring from acting in 2002. He now runs a cannabis company in Los Angeles.
Thora Birch (Dani): Thora took a break from acting in 2012 but returned with roles in TV shows like "Colony" and "The Walking Dead." She also starred in a Lifetime movie about Gabby Petito's disappearance.
Vinessa Shaw (Allison): Vinessa continued acting, appearing in various TV shows and movies. She spoke about her character's possible future in a Hocus Pocus sequel.
Sean Murray (Thackery Binx): Sean continued his acting career and landed a recurring role in "NCIS," which he still stars in.
Tobias Jelinek (Jay): Tobias made appearances in popular TV shows like "Stranger Things" and "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Larry Bagby (Ernie "Ice"): Larry appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The Young and the Restless." He is also a musician.
Doug Jones (Billy): Doug starred in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Shape of Water" and "Star Trek: Discovery." He reprised his role as Billy for the Hocus Pocus sequel.
Amanda Shepherd (Emily Binx): Amanda's role in "Hocus Pocus" was her only acting role. She is now a language channeler and healer.
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Hocus Pocus Plot
In the town of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1693, three witches named Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, steal the life force of a young girl named Emily. Thackery Binx, who tries to save his sister, is turned into an immortal black cat as punishment. The witches are caught and hanged, but before their deaths, Winifred casts a spell to resurrect them if a virgin lights a magical candle on Halloween.
Centuries later, in 1993, teenager Max Dennison, along with his sister Dani and his crush Allison, accidentally brings the witches back to life. The witches chase the kids to steal Dani's life force, but with the help of Binx, they escape to a cemetery, where the witches cannot go. The witches use their powers to create chaos, but the children outsmart them, trapping them in a kiln.
Thinking they've defeated the witches, Max, Dani, Allison, and Binx try to reverse Binx's curse. However, the witches return, kidnapping Dani and Binx. With quick thinking, the kids trick the witches into believing sunrise has come early, causing the witches to faint. In the final battle, Max sacrifices himself to save his sister, allowing the witches to capture him instead of Dani. As the sun rises, Winifred turns into stone, and her sisters disintegrate. Binx's curse is broken, and he reunites with his sister Emily in the afterlife. The story ends with a hint that the magical book might bring more trouble in the future.
Hocus Pocus Cast
The tabular column below represents the cast list for Hocus Pocus
Bette Midler
Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Sanderson
Kathy Najimy
Mary Sanderson
Omri Katz
Maximilian "Max" Dennison
Thora Birch
Danielle "Dani" Dennison
Vinessa Shaw
Allison Watts
Charles Rocket
David "Dave" Dennison
Stephanie Faracy
Jennifer "Jenny" Dennison
Sean Murray
Thackery Binx
Jason Marsden
Voice of Thackery Binx
Kathleen Freeman
Miss Olin
Doug Jones
William "Billy" Butcherson
Amanda Shepherd
Emily Binx
Larry Bagby
Ernie "Ice"
Tobias Jelinek
Jay
Steve Voboril
Elijah
Norbert Weisser
Mr. Binx
Joe Malone
Singer at the party
Garry Marshall
Master Devil (uncredited)
Penny Marshall
Medusa Lady (uncredited)
Actor
Character
Hocus Pocus Cast Then and Now
Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson):
Then: Starred in Hocus Pocus and other films.
Now: Acted in Hocus Pocus 2 and "Sitting in Bars With Cake." Still a legendary actress.
Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson):
Then: Played Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Appeared in Hocus Pocus 2. Rumored for Hocus Pocus threequel and "Sister Act" remake.
Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah Sanderson):
Then: Known as Sarah Sanderson in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Returned as Carrie Bradshaw in "And Just Like That..." Also in more beloved roles.
Omri Katz (Max Dennison):
Then: Played Max in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Runs a cannabis brand. Open to future Hocus Pocus projects.
Vinessa Shaw (Allison):
Then: Portrayed Allison in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Acted in Apple TV+'s "Swagger."
Thora Birch (Dani Dennison):
Then: Starred as Dani in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Earned nominations for roles in "American Beauty" and "Ghost World." Directed films too.
Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson):
Then: Played Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Active in character acting, returning in the final season of "Star Trek: Discovery."
Jason Marsden (Thackery Binx - Voice):
Then: Provided the voice for Thackery Binx.
Now: Prolific voice actor, worked on "Transformers: Earthspark."
Sean Murray (Thackery Binx - Human):
Then: Played human Thackery Binx in Hocus Pocus.
Now: Known for role on "NCIS."
The Hocus Pocus cast continues to shine in various roles, captivating audiences with their talent and versatility.
Hocus Pocus Trailer
Hocus Pocus Where are They Now - FAQ
"Hocus Pocus" is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega, featuring three witches resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night.
Annual airings on TV channels during October and the Halloween tradition turned the film into a cult classic over the years.
Yes, a sequel titled "Hocus Pocus 2" was released on Disney+ in September 2022, and a third film was announced in June 2023.
Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), Mary (Kathy Najimy), Max (Omri Katz), Dani (Thora Birch), Allison (Vinessa Shaw), and others.