The Mind-Blowing Revelation of Allison's Witchcraft in 'Hocus Pocus'—Confirmed by Director Kenny Ortega!

Kenny Ortega, Vinessa Shaw. Getty Images (2)

Kenny Ortega, the director of Hocus Pocus, suggests that there could have been an additional witch in Salem, apart from the Sanderson sisters. Ortega, 73, revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he believed Allison's character had a hint of witchiness. He even explored the idea of a spinoff centered around this concept, and had discussions about it with the Disney Channel years later.

Allison, played by Vinessa Shaw, was the love interest of Max (Omri Katz), the main character in the beloved Halloween classic released in 1993. Alongside Max's younger sister Dani (Thora Birch), they join forces to combat the resurrected Sanderson witches Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy). Their goal is to defeat the witches before midnight strikes, preventing the loss of all Salem's children forever.

After the movie's release, Shaw's character sparked speculation among fans that she possessed magical abilities. One particular scene stands out, where she cleverly sprinkles salt around herself as a defense against the evil trio. This action leads Winifred to dub her a "clever little witch." Director Ortega also believed that although he never discussed the theory with Shaw directly, her performance subtly hinted at her supernatural nature.

“I found her enchanting when she was just a teenager,” he elaborated. “It was unusual for Max to be completely infatuated with her. She possessed an ethereal allure, and she was truly enchanting.”

Ortega's idea for a spinoff never materialized, but the concepts are explored in Hocus Pocus 2, which premiered in October 2022. The film brings back the child-hungry witches two decades later, and introduces new characters Becca (Whitney Peak), Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), and Cassie (Lilia Buckingham). These newcomers discover that they possess magical powers, and ultimately use a spell to defeat the witches once and for all.

Shaw did not reprise his role in the highly-anticipated sequel. However, Escobedo, 25, previously shared that her character was originally written as their schoolteacher. In an interview with EW in 2022, she mentioned discussing with director Anne Fletcher how her character would be a source of help for the trio.

Shaw, along with original cast members Katz and Birch, may possibly make a comeback in Hocus Pocus 3, a sequel announced by Disney earlier this year. The actress suggests various ways to reintroduce Allison and Max to Salem.

"Allison is originally from Salem, and Max always dreams of living in California," she revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in October 2021. "Perhaps they reached a compromise, and she could be visiting her mother in Salem when the witches return."

Regarding the witchy rumors, Shaw agrees that Allison is more than just an ordinary human and believes that her wardrobe in the film supports this theory.

"It was intentionally implied," she stated in an interview with The Wrap in 2022. "If you pay attention to the necklace I'm wearing, it has a pentagram-like design with stones. From a closer look, it is a golden locket with white pearls attached to it, featuring a design that, if connected, could resemble a pentagram. However, it was never explicitly stated."

Shaw also highlighted the sweater she wore throughout the majority of the film, emphasizing the leather twine woven into it and suggesting that it might serve as a form of "protective force." The costume designer made a point to draw attention to this detail.

"She specifically drew attention to the twine," Shaw reminisced, "but not before mentioning the significance of the necklace. She then added, 'And take a look at the twist of the twine, subtly entwined within the leather. It exudes an old-world charm.' This further developed the concept."

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Kenny Ortega