Rarely Seen Hocus Pocus Deleted Scene Unveils Shocking Sanderson Sisters Kidnap

Summary

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega explains a deleted scene where a Sanderson sister tries to kidnap a child, adding a darker twist to the comedy.

The scene, although omitted due to time constraints, would have aligned well with the overall tone of the film and introduced a harmonious blend of the darker elements and comedic moments. It highlighted the impulsive behavior of the character and stayed true to the eerie yet enjoyable essence of Hocus Pocus.

Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega has shared a deleted scene from the movie where one of the Sanderson sisters tries to abduct a child. The 1993 Disney fantasy comedy featured Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as witches from the 1600s who are brought back to life in the present day. Despite initially receiving mixed reviews and performing below expectations at the box office, Hocus Pocus gained a loyal cult following through its release on home video and television broadcasts.

As Halloween approaches, Ortega spoke to EW about a scene that didn't make it into the final cut, which could have added a darker tone to the movie. According to the director, while the sisters were traveling through modern-day Salem, Mary (played by Najimy) would notice a child in a shopping cart at a store and make some questionable choices. Find Ortega's full explanation below:

"We celebrated the writing, followed by a joyous gathering, although some attendees had to be left behind due to time constraints. One notable scene took place in a grocery store, featuring Kathy and another woman who was shopping with her child in a cart. At one point, as the woman momentarily turned away from her cart, Mary took advantage and swiftly absconded with it, unaware of the child inside. Upon realizing that her child was missing, the woman frantically pursued Kathy, who was desperately trying to escape with the child."

Would Mary's Kidnapping Scene Have Worked In Hocus Pocus' Final Cut?

While the Sanderson sisters' desire to capture children and steal their souls may explore the darker side of Disney, Hocus Pocus also strives to find a middle ground with its comedic moments. Especially during their adventures in the modern world, the film embraces its silliness, incorporating slapstick comedy, culture shock, and catchy musical numbers. This combination of dark undertones and lighthearted humor has made Hocus Pocus a beloved favorite for families, particularly during the holiday season.

The kidnapping scene in Hocus Pocus was ultimately removed due to time constraints. However, it raises the question of how the movie would have been impacted if it had stayed in. Presumably, the scene would have taken place while the witches were chasing after Max, Dani, and Allison. Although the scene maintains the characters and tone of the film, it could be argued that it would have detracted some urgency from the situation by diverting the witches' attention away from retrieving their spellbook.

Ortega's reveal provides a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been. Although the scene was cut to ensure Hocus Pocus had a more ideal runtime, it seems to fit in well with the overall tone of the movie. While Mary's actions may be dark, the character's impulsiveness and the potential for comedy could strike a good balance and remain faithful to the spooky yet entertaining reputation that Hocus Pocus and its sequel have cultivated since their release.

Source: EW