10 ‘Hocus Pocus’ Fun Facts
If like us, one of your favorite things about Halloween is the chance to cosy up in front of the TV for one of the continuous airings of the now classic Disney film “Hocus Pocus” then this is the article for you! Since its release in 1993, the film has gained a cult-like following. To celebrate 26 years of magic and mayhem we here at MickeyBlog thought we’d share with you some of our favorite “Hocus Pocus” fun facts:
Hocus Pocus started as a bedtime story
Screenwriter David Kirschner revealed during a previous panel discussion that he came up with the idea when he was telling a bedtime story to his daughters.
Sarah Jessica Parker Is Descendant of Salem Witch
During an appearance on the show Who Do You Think You Are? Sara Jessica Parker (who plays the aptly named Sarah in the movie.) found out that her 10th great-grandmother was condemned as a witch in Salem, MA because a 17-year-old claimed to have seen her communicating with “three spectres.” However, she escaped prosecution.
The Role of Max Dennison Could’ve Gone To Leonard DiCaprio
According to Disney, the role of Max Dennison was originally offered to Leonardo DiCaprio who instead opted to appear in n What’s Eating Gilbert Grape with Johnny Depp, earning him his first Academy Award® nomination at the age of 19.
What’s The Connection Between Max Goof and Thackery Binx?
Both characters were voiced by Jason Marsden. He played the original voice of the bewitched black cat in Hocus Pocus and then played Max in A Goofy Movie two years later.
Mary Sanderson Could’ve Been A Bit More Rosie
That’s right, Disney originally had Rosie O’Donnell in mind for the role of Mary Sanderson. However, the part was offered to Kathy Najimy when Rosie turned down the role because she didn’t want to play a ‘scary witch.”
1993: A Frightfully Fun Year for Film
Hocus Pocus was released by Disney the same year as Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. As a result, the studio made the decision to release the film in July so that both titles weren’t competing with one another. Both movies underperformed at the box office but went on to become cult classics!
Abracadabra?
For reasons that aren’t exactly clear, when the film was released in some foreign markets, it was given the title Abracadabra.
No CGI Here
When zombie Billy Butcherson awakes from the dead and is able to speak again, he coughs up a mouthful of moths. You’ll certainly be shocked to know that actor Doug Jones actually had real moths in his mouth to make the scene look as authentic as possible. The crew made a moth-filled pouch that Jones would put in his mouth. The pouch would open when he opened his mouth and the moths would fly out!
Hocus Pocus Has a Sequel
Though rumors have been swirling for ages regarding a film sequel to ‘Hocus Pocus’ readers don’t have to wait! Disney actually created a sequel to the original story in book-form. You can currently pick it up on Amazon for under $7 and including Prime shipping. Click here to order yours.
The Nine Lives of Thackery Binx
Animal trainer Larry Madrid actually used nine cats to play the role of Thackery Binx in the film. Each of the cats had its own special skill to perform on camera.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for more Disney news and updates!
Thinking about a Disney getaway? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook