Hocus Pocus cast 29 years later

The 1993 release of “Hocus Pocus” was neither commercially nor critically successful.

The film follows the Sanderson sisters, a trio of evil witches who are mistakenly resurrected on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts, and the ragtag crew that attempts to put an end to them for good.

Since then, “Hocus Pocus” has become a Halloween cult classic, to the extent that Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker will return for the September 30 release of “Hocus Pocus 2” on Disney Plus.

What is the original cast of “Hocus Pocus” doing now?

Bette Midler as Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson, the ringleader of the Sanderson sisters.

Bette Midler in “Hocus Pocus.”

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

Her character sang a version of “I Put A Spell On You” with eerie lyrics such as “It’s been 300 years to the day / Now the witch is back, and there’s hell to pay.”

Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, whose captivating voice hypnotizes children.

“Hocus Pocus” stars Sarah Jessica Parker.

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

Sarah Sanderson is not the brightest of the group, but by singing the hypnotic song “Come Little Youngsters,” she manages to entice all of the children in Salem to their house.

Parker then starred in “Sex and the City” and its subsequent film adaptations, and in 2005 she established her own production business.

Sarah Jessica Parker.

Parker’s portrayal in the HBO series “Divorce” got her a nomination for a Golden Globe.

Before beginning production on “Hocus Pocus 2,” she also starred in “And Just Like That…,” a revival of “Sex and the City.”

In May, she posted a teaser photo for the sequel on Instagram with the caption: “Yep. I’m all set. To run. Amok, amok, amok, amok. [candle emoji] #HocusPocus2 will premiere on @DisneyPlus in the fall of 2022.”

Max Dennison, the protagonist of “Hocus Pocus,” was portrayed by Omri Katz.

Omri Katz in “Hocus Pocus.”

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

In the film, Dennison fires the Black Flame Candle on Halloween night, which brings back to life the Sanderson sisters.

Prior to this film, he had previously been on “Eerie, Indiana” and “Dallas.”

Katz has resigned from performing and now works in Los Angeles as a hairstylist.

Omri Katz in 2018.

Katz’s most recent part prior to his 2018 appearance on “Childhood Thoughts” was in the 2002 short film “Journey Into Night.”

In 2018, after having departed Hollywood, he appeared in a Freeform special commemorating the 25th anniversary of “Hocus Pocus.”

Additionally, he has remained in contact with some of his co-stars, celebrating Halloween with two of them in 2015.

Dani, played by Thora Birch, was the courageous younger sister of Max.

Thora Birch is featured in “Hocus Pocus.”

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

Birch, a child star of the 1990s, was 11 years old when “Hocus Pocus” was released.

The most recent film in which Birch appeared is “The Walking Dead.”

In 2019, Thora Birch will be active.

Throughout the 1990s, Birch starred in many films, including “Now and Again,” “Monkey Trouble,” and “American Beauty” at the age of 17.

Recent film roles for Birch include “Above Suspicion,” “Kindred Spirits,” “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” and “Affairs of State.”

Vinessa Shaw portrayed the character of Allison.

“Hocus Pocus” stars Vinessa Shaw.

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

Allison’s mother formerly managed the museum housed in the Sanderson sisters’ former Salem cottage. She invites Max and Dani to the location, where Max ignites the Black Flame Candle and resurrects the frightening witches.

Shaw has continued his acting career, starring in films such as “Eyes Wide Shut,” “40 Days and 40 Nights,” and “The Hills Have Eyes.”

Vinessa Shaw in 2015.

Environmental Media Awards graphic by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Recent roles include “Swagger,” “12 Mighty Orphans,” and “We Need to Do Something,” which she also executive produced.

In October 2021, she told Entertainment Tonight that she has not been approached to participate in the “Hocus Pocus” sequel.

She stated, “I haven’t heard anything.” “I agree, it is really disheartening. I’d love to write the sequel. It would be very entertaining. I believe that younger people have a different storyline, but why can’t we all return in some way?”

Jenny, portrayed by Stephanie Faracy, was Max and Dani’s mother.

Stephanie Faracy is featured in “Hocus Pocus.”

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

Jenny wears a Madonna costume to a Halloween party.

Faracy continues to act, with recent appearances on the television series “Uncoupled,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and “The Goldbergs.”

In 2018, Stephanie Faracy was employed.

Faracy also played alongside Zac Efron, Adam Devine, Anna Kendrick, and Aubrey Plaza in “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.”

Doug Jones as Winifred Sanderson’s ex-boyfriend, William “Billy” Butcherson, who she resurrects to help her regain her spell book.

Doug Jones in the film “Hocus Pocus”

Walt Disney Studios Film Productions

Spoiler alert!

Butcherson ultimately assists Max, Dani, and Allison in defeating the Sanderson sisters before retiring to his grave to rest in peace. Jones utilized his experience as a mime and contortionist to make the zombie-like creature amusing rather than frightening.

Jones continues to act, frequently portraying aliens or other non-human species using makeup and special effects.

In 2018, Doug Jones was employed.

Jones has acted in films such as “Hellboy,” “Crimson Peak,” and “The Shape of Water,” as well as television shows such as “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Star Trek: Discovery,” but he tweeted that “Playing Billy in HOCUS POCUS was a career high point for me.”