The Magical Transformation of the 'Hocus Pocus' Cast: Where Are They Now?
Discover what the talented cast of the iconic Halloween film 'Hocus Pocus' has been up to since its release in 1993 From Bette Midler to Sarah Jessica Parker, find out where these actors are now
Released in 1993, Hocus Pocus initially failed to impress at the box office. However, this Halloween-themed film has proven its enduring popularity over the years, earning a spot as a must-watch movie every October.
With an ensemble cast including Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters, this eerie classic centers around a high school boy named Max (Omri Katz), his love interest Allison (Vinessa Shaw), and his younger sister Dani (Thora Birch). Once they discover that the rumors about the witches are true, the trio races against time to prevent the wicked sorceresses from achieving immortality before the night of Halloween concludes.
Disney+ officially announced in May 2021 that the Sanderson sisters would be returning for the highly anticipated sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are all set to reprise their roles. Midler took to Instagram to confirm the news, stating, "Sistaaaahs! It's been 300 years... But we're BACK! #HocusPocus2 arrives Fall 2022 on @DisneyPlus."
The second installment premiered on Disney+ in September 2022 and became the streaming service’s most-watched film.
Scroll through the gallery below to see what the original cast is up to today:
Credit: Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
'Hocus Pocus' Cast: Where Are They Now?
When Hocus Pocus dropped in theaters in 1993, it flopped — but it has since lasted the test of time, becoming a must-watch film every October.
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as the Sanderson Sisters in the spooky classic. The story revolves around a high school boy, his crush, and his little sister who discover that the rumors about the witches are true. They must find a way to prevent the witches from becoming immortal before Halloween ends. Disney+ announced in May 2021 that the Sanderson sisters will be returning for the highly anticipated sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, with Midler, Parker, and Najimy reprising their roles.
"Sisters! After a 300-year hiatus, we have returned! #HocusPocus2 will be available on @DisneyPlus in Fall 2022," announced Midler on Instagram.
The sequel debuted on Disney+ in September 2022 and quickly became the streaming platform's highest-viewed movie.
Scroll through the gallery below to see what the original cast is up to today:
Credit: Shutterstock
Bette Midler (Winifred)
Following the success of the spooky hit, the icon pursued her acting and singing career by starring in films such as The First Wives Club and The Stepford Wives. She also had a Las Vegas residency titled Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On from 2008 to 2010. In the subsequent year, she ventured into producing the Broadway production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. A significant milestone came in 2017 when Midler landed her first leading role on Broadway in Hello, Dolly, ultimately earning a Tony Award for her performance. Alongside her film and stage endeavors, she served as an adviser on The Voice in 2016 and starred in Netflix's The Politician in 2019. In 2020, she headlined HBO's Coastal Elites. In her personal life, Midler has been married to Martin von Haselberg since 1984, and they have one daughter together, actress Sophie von Haselberg.
In May 2021, Midler took to Instagram to joyfully announce the upcoming Hocus Pocus sequel. Sharing her excitement, she wrote, "Sistaaaahs! It's been 300 years... But we're BACK! #HocusPocus2 arrives Fall 2022 on @DisneyPlus." Confirming the completion of the production the following January, Midler tweeted alongside an image of the iconic witches engrossed in a spell book, exclaiming, "THAT'S A WRAP!!!!"
Credit: Shutterstock/INSTAR Images
Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah)
Following her breakthrough in the eerie movie, Parker secured one of the main roles in Sex and the City, a television series that aired from 1998 to 2004 and was later adapted into two films. She also appeared in numerous other movies such as The Family Stone, Failure to Launch, and New Year's Eve. Between 2016 and 2019, she took the lead in the HBO drama Divorce, which earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination. In 2014, she launched her own line of footwear called SJP Collection. Parker has been happily married to Matthew Broderick since 1997, and they are blessed with three children.
She returned to portray Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That, the sequel series to Sex and the City, which premiered on HBO Max in December 2021.
In November 2021, Parker shared some behind-the-scenes insights into the production of Hocus Pocus 2. She posted a video on her Instagram Story, capturing a hair and makeup test for the film. Jokingly, she showcased the witch's long, blonde wig and playfully asked, "Where is Sarah? There's a piece of Sarah!"
The actress from Failure to Launch also delighted viewers by sharing a video of the autumn foliage at the filming location in Rhode Island, giving them a sneak peek of what to expect.
Furthermore, in February 2022, Parker confirmed her collaboration with co-stars Midler and Najimy for another musical performance in the upcoming film during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. "Yes, we will have a number! There will definitely be a number — maybe even two," she humorously remarked, expressing her excitement about the sequel's filming experience being both "amazing and funny."
Credit: Shutterstock
Kathy Najimy (Mary)
Following her role in Hocus Pocus, Najimy went on to appear in Rat Race, Veronica's Closet, Dumplin', Veep, and lent her voice to Peggy Hill on King of the Hill. Not only did she act, but she also co-wrote and performed in the play The Kathy and Mo Show, alongside Mo Gaffney. In addition, she reprised her role as Mary Sanderson in the 2022 sequel to Hocus Pocus and made appearances in Younger and The Morning Show. Since 2020, Najimy has been the voice of Major Jen on Duncanville. Najimy tied the knot with Dan Finnerty in 1998, and together they have a daughter named Samia, who has followed in her mother's footsteps as a singer-songwriter.
Credit: Shutterstock/Courtesy of Vinessa Shaw/Instagram
Omri Katz (Max)
After his roles in Dallas and Eerie, Indiana, Katz decided to take a step back from his acting career following Hocus Pocus. He made a brief appearance in projects such as The John Larroquette Show before retiring from acting in 2002. Currently, Katz is in a relationship with Michele Watters, and the couple resides in Los Angeles. Additionally, he is involved in running The Mary Danksters, a cannabis company. Although he did not return for Hocus Pocus 2, Katz has had the opportunity to reunite with his fellow castmates at various conventions throughout the years.
Credit: Courtesy of Shutterstock
Thora Birch (Dani)
The former child star gained popularity after Hocus Pocus and went on to secure roles in Monkey Trouble, Now and Then, and Alaska during her childhood. She received a BAFTA nomination in 1999 for her performance in American Beauty, followed by a Golden Globe nomination in 2001 for Ghost World and an Emmy nomination in 2003 for her role in Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story. After taking a break from acting in 2012, she made a comeback and landed recurring roles on USA's Colony and AMC's The Walking Dead. In 2018, she tied the knot with talent manager Michael Adler.
In May 2021, Birch hinted at the possibility of reprising her role as Dani in the sequel of Hocus Pocus, tweeting, "2022 will be 'Mah-velous!'" She also expressed her willingness to return to the sequel in a February 2020 interview with HollywoodLife, stating, "if they would have me."
In March 2022, Entertainment Weekly reported that the actress from Ghost World had declined an offer to make a cameo appearance, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for her decision. Despite being given the opportunity to return, she would not be appearing in the movie. The actress had previously starred as Nicole Schmidt, the mother of the late Gabby Petito, in the Lifetime movie centered around Petito's disappearance and murder in 2022.
Credit: Shutterstock/Courtesy of Vinessa Shaw/Instagram
Vinessa Shaw (Allison)
Following her role in Hocus Pocus, Shaw pursued higher education at Barnard College, all the while continuing her acting career. Simultaneously, she secured a prominent role in the film Eyes Wide Shut. In subsequent years, Shaw showcased her talent in movies like 40 Days and 40 Nights and The Hills Have Eyes. In 2014, she gracefully embraced a supporting role in Showtime's renowned series, Ray Donovan. Shaw is happily married to Kristopher Gifford and together they are blessed with a son.
Shaw discussed the future of her Hocus Pocus character, Allison, and her love interest Max, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in October 2021. She hinted that they may possibly make a comeback, stating, "I believe Allison and Max are still together, but there's a slight dilemma with their locations. Allison hails from Salem while Max has always had a desire to be in California." Shaw further speculated, "I envision a scenario where they find a compromise and maybe she's in Salem, visiting her mom or something, when the witches return." Although Shaw didn't appear in the sequel, she has had the opportunity to reunite with her fellow cast members at fan conventions.
Credit: CBS
Sean Murray (Thackery)
After portraying Thackery Binx, Murray went on to pursue his acting career, appearing in several television shows such as Hart of the West, The Lottery, JAG, and Boston Public. He landed a recurring role in NCIS in 2003 and remains a key character on the show to this day. In 2005, he tied the knot with Carrie James, and together they have been blessed with two children.
Credit: Courtesy of Tobias Jelinek/Instagram
Tobias Jelinek (Jay)
The celebrity has appeared in several high-budget television series, such as Stranger Things, American Woman, and This Is Us. In 2020, they landed a role as Luke, the antagonist in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Jelinek tied the knot with Irina Costa in 2014.
Credit: Courtesy of Larry Bagby/Instagram
Larry Bagby (Ernie "Ice")
Bagby has appeared in a multitude of movies and television series following his role in Hocus Pocus, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Saints and Soldiers, Walk the Line, and The Young and the Restless. Additionally, he is a talented musician who debuted his first album in 2005 and released an EP in 2007.
Credit: Shutterstock
Doug Jones (Billy)
Jones has an extensive filmography, starring in numerous films such as Mimic, Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Crimson Peak, and The Shape of Water. He also made notable appearances on popular TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Falling Skies, and The Strain. Since 2017, he has held a prominent role on Star Trek: Discovery. In 1984, he tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart Laurie Pontoni. Furthermore, in 2022, he returned to reprise his role as Billy for the Hocus Pocus sequel.
Credit: Courtesy of Amanda Shepherd/Instagram
Amanda Shepherd (Emily)
Portraying Emily Binx was Shepherd's only acting role. The former model is now a language channeler and healer.
In this article
Bette Midler
kathy najimy
