The Surprising Reason Rosie O'Donnell Rejected the Hocus Pocus Role

Rosie O'Donnell declined a role in Hocus Pocus, the 1993 movie about a trio of witches called the Sanderson sisters. The story revolves around the sisters' attempt to steal the life forces of Max and Dani Dennison in order to maintain their youth and cause chaos in Salem, Massachusetts. Since its release, Hocus Pocus has become a beloved holiday film, largely thanks to the performances of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.

In a recent interview with THR, O'Donnell revealed that she was asked to play the role of Mary Sanderson, portrayed by Najimy. However, she ultimately turned down the offer due to the jokes made about Mary's appearance and her reluctance to be unkind to children. O'Donnell's thoughts on Hocus Pocus can be found below.

"Yes. Even though it was Bette Midler, who was like, my favorite, and Sarah Jessica Parker, I didn't want to portray the fat, mean witch who eats and kills kids. I couldn't bring myself to accept a role where I would be unkind to children and the humor revolved around body size. It felt necessary for me to decline the offer for that reason."

The success of Hocus Pocus can be attributed to the chemistry between its three lead actors, whose return was crucial for the sequel in 2022. Midler, Parker, and Najimy are all highly skilled performers, and their ability to reprise their roles after almost three decades is a significant factor in the success of Hocus Pocus 2. The musical numbers "I Put a Spell on You" and "One Way or Another" are particularly memorable, showcasing Midler's impressive vocal talent.

Najimy's portrayal of Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus brought a unique charm and comedic flair to the character, making it difficult to imagine anyone else in the role. It's intriguing to consider how different the character could have been if O'Donnell had accepted the offer. Najimy's performance, especially her hilarious facial expressions, added distinct traits to Mary that greatly contributed to her comedic moments and her dynamic with her sisters. Without these traits, Mary and her relationship with her sisters would have been altered.

With talks of an upcoming Hocus Pocus 3, fans may wonder what the Sanderson sisters would have been like if O'Donnell had played Mary. The on-screen chemistry between the original cast is undoubtedly one of the reasons for the franchise's enduring popularity, so it may be for the best that the casting for Hocus Pocus turned out the way it did.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter