The Difficult Choice: Writer Reveals Explanation for Original Kid's Cameo Cut in Hocus Pocus 2

Article Overview

Hocus Pocus 2 cut a Max cameo, along with cameos from Jay and Ice, to trim down the script and focus on characters with a reason to be in the story.

Max, Dani, and Allison's absence in Hocus Pocus 2 left many viewers feeling let down, as the sequel took a new approach and reimagined the storyline within contemporary Salem.

However, there is hope for fans with the announcement of Hocus Pocus 3. Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz, who portrayed the beloved original characters, have shown enthusiasm for reprising their roles in this anticipated installment.

Screenwriter Jen D'Angelo opens up about the decision to cut a key cameo from Hocus Pocus 2. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, D'Angelo explains that the original plans included a brief appearance by Max, but it was ultimately removed during the script-trimming process. The decision to cut the Max cameo, as well as cameos from the bully characters Jay and Ice, was described as a difficult one.

Max had a potential cameo in one version, but we wanted to ensure that any appearance by beloved iconic characters had a purpose in the story, rather than simply checking them off a list.

In another version, Jay and Ice made a return because of my fondness for them. Despite their cartoonish bully personas, there is a certain emotional depth to them. In the end, they receive a fitting punishment by being locked in cages for an extended period of time. One of the jokes that unfortunately had to be removed was the scene where Ice and Jay were offering candy and witnessed the Sanderson Sisters flying past. Initially, it seemed like they might step in and save the day, but instead, they cowardly ran and hid.

Will Hocus Pocus 3 Feature Any Kids from Hocus Pocus 1?

Although the Sanderson Sisters are the focal point of Hocus Pocus, the original film also featured significant characters like Max, Dani, and Allison. Regrettably, this trio did not make a comeback in Hocus Pocus 2 as the sequel took a different approach. It completely revamped the storyline by transporting it to modern-day Salem, where the Sanderson Sisters were once again reincarnated. This left many viewers disappointed, as they were anticipating the opportunity to witness the trio as adults in Hocus Pocus 2 and explore potential theories, such as Allison potentially being a witch.

Unfortunately, your browser does not support the video tag.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, the team behind Hocus Pocus 2 seems to be conscious of the potential fan delight that could arise from incorporating the original characters from the initial film. Now that Hocus Pocus 3 has been officially announced, the opportunity has resurfaced for the original 1993 Hocus Pocus stars to make an appearance. Vinessa Shaw, known for her portrayal of Allison, and Omri Katz, who brought Max to life, have expressed their willingness to return to the Hocus Pocus universe if invited for the next sequel.

The Hocus Pocus 3 script is still being developed, leaving room for a potential return of the adult protagonists. The upcoming sequel may place a greater emphasis on Winifred's upcoming journey, as the writer has hinted at another possible revenge storyline. This shift in focus raises doubts about the inclusion of Max and other cameo appearances, although they were originally intended for Hocus Pocus 2, so their involvement is not entirely ruled out.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the decision to cut Max's cameo in Hocus Pocus 2. On the one hand, I understand the need to trim down the script and focus on the characters with a reason to be in the story. On the other hand, I feel like Max's cameo would have been a nice nod to the original film and would have given fans a chance to see what happened to him and the other kids from the first movie.

I think it's great that Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz are open to reprising their roles in a potential Hocus Pocus 3. I would love to see the original cast return and help the new generation of kids defeat the Sanderson Sisters. I think it would be a fun way to tie the two movies together and give fans of the original film a chance to see their favorite characters again.