The 1993 Halloween comedy Hocus Pocus introduced audiences to the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters and a group of brave Salem teenagers. Decades later, the film’s cast remains beloved, with the original trio returning for a sequel and a third instalment now officially confirmed. This article provides a complete breakdown of the cast of Hocus Pocus, including who played each role, who returned for Hocus Pocus 2, and what the actors are doing today.
From Bette Midler’s iconic Winifred Sanderson to Thora Birch’s plucky Dani Dennison, the original cast blended comedy and charm. The 2022 sequel brought back the three witches while introducing a new generation of characters. Now, with Hocus Pocus 3 in active development, fans are eager to see whether the original teenage cast will finally rejoin the Sanderson sisters.
Who Are the Main Cast Members of Hocus Pocus (1993)?
Bette Midler
Character: Winifred Sanderson
Role: Lead witch
Quick Fact: Iconic comedic actress; also starred in Hocus Pocus 2
Sarah Jessica Parker
Character: Sarah Sanderson
Role: Witch
Quick Fact: Later famous for Sex and the City; returned for sequel
Kathy Najimy
Character: Mary Sanderson
Role: Witch
Quick Fact: Voice actress and activist; reprised role in 2022
Thora Birch
Character: Dani Dennison
Role: Little girl (sister of protagonist)
Quick Fact: Child star; later in American Beauty and Ghost World
- The core cast of Hocus Pocus (1993) comprised the three Sanderson sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) and the teenage protagonists: Omri Katz (Max), Thora Birch (Dani), Vinessa Shaw (Allison).
- All three Sanderson sisters returned for Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), which introduced new cast members including Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, and Tony Hale.
- Child actress Thora Birch (Dani) did not appear in the sequel; her role was replaced by a new generation of teens.
- Rumours of Hocus Pocus 3 have been fuelled by Disney and cast comments, but no official cast announcement has been made.
- Many cast members have maintained prominent careers: Bette Midler remains active in stage and film; Sarah Jessica Parker is best known for Sex and the City; Kathy Najimy continues voice work.
| Category | Fact |
|---|---|
| Original Film Year | 1993 |
| Number of Sanderson Sisters | 3 (Winifred, Sarah, Mary) |
| Child Actress Name | Thora Birch played Dani Dennison |
| Sequel Year | 2022 (Hocus Pocus 2) |
| Sequel Returning Cast | Midler, Parker, Najimy returned |
| Protagonist in Original | Omri Katz as Max Dennison |
| Hocus Pocus 3 Status | Officially announced; in development for Disney+ |
Who Starred in Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)?
The 2022 sequel, released on Disney+, brought back the original Sanderson sisters but introduced an entirely new group of teenage heroes in Salem. Whitney Peak played Becca, Belissa Escobedo played Izzy, and Lilia Buckingham played Cassie. Tony Hale took on the dual role of Jefry Traske and the Mayor. Doug Jones reprised his role as the Billy Butcherson, while the original teen cast – Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Thora Birch, and Jason Marsden – did not appear.
According to reports, Thora Birch declined the role of Dani in Hocus Pocus 2 to pursue another project (which she later withdrew from). Katz, Shaw, and Birch were not slated to return, as the story focused on a new generation of high schoolers in Salem. Source: Today.
The sequel was a major hit on Disney+, leading to speculation about ongoing franchise expansion. Its storyline involving the character Becca allows for future projects, including the now-confirmed third film.
Where Are the Hocus Pocus Cast Members Now?
Bette Midler
Active in acting and music; confirmed for Hocus Pocus 3. Married to Martin von Haselberg. (Sources: US Magazine, Good Housekeeping)
Sarah Jessica Parker
Active actress; confirmed for Hocus Pocus 3. Known for Sex and the City and producing. (Sources: US Magazine, Wikipedia)
Kathy Najimy
Active in acting and behind-camera roles; confirmed for Hocus Pocus 3. Also a voice actress and activist. (Sources: Good Housekeeping, Wikipedia)
Omri Katz (Max Dennison)
No longer active as an actor; works as a hairdresser. He remains engaged with the fandom and is “excited for the new film”. He has expressed interest in returning for Hocus Pocus 3 “only if asked by Disney”. (Sources: Wikipedia, Good Housekeeping)
Vinessa Shaw (Allison)
Married to Kristopher Gifford; has a son named Jack. Active in limited acting and family life. Expressed interest in returning for the third film. (Source: Good Housekeeping)
Thora Birch (Dani Dennison)
Active actress; stated in October 2025 that she was “super open” to returning to her role in Hocus Pocus 3. She declined Hocus Pocus 2 to pursue another project. (Source: Wikipedia)
Jason Marsden (Thackery Binx voice)
Active voice actor; expressed interest in returning for Hocus Pocus 3. (Source: Wikipedia)
Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson)
Reprised his role in Hocus Pocus 2; active in film. (Source: Wikipedia)
Amanda Bingham (Emily Binx)
No longer in acting; runs Instagram @the_real_emilybinx and attends conventions. (Source: Good Housekeeping)
Omri Katz, who played Max Dennison, left Hollywood behind and now works as a hairdresser in Los Angeles. Despite his departure from acting, he remains a fan favourite and has expressed enthusiasm for the franchise’s enduring popularity. (Source: Good Housekeeping)
Is There a Hocus Pocus 3 in the Works?
Yes. A third film was officially announced in May 2026, with a script confirmed in October 2025. Production discussions regarding budget and rewrites are ongoing. The film is planned for a Disney+ release. (Source: Wikipedia)
The core trio of witches – Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – are confirmed to return. Original teenage cast members Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden have expressed interest in returning. Thora Birch stated in October 2025 that she is “super open” to reprising her role as Dani. Tobias Jelinek (Jay Taylor) also expressed interest in October 2025. (Source: Wikipedia)
However, no official cast announcements beyond the Sanderson sisters have been made. The studio has not confirmed whether the original teens will appear or if new characters will take centre stage once more.
While the Sanderson sisters are confirmed, it is uncertain whether Omri Katz, Thora Birch, or other original cast members will actually be cast. Disney has not released a plot summary or production timeline. Fans should wait for official announcements rather than rely on rumours.
What Is the Timeline of Hocus Pocus Cast Involvement?
- 1993: Hocus Pocus released, introducing the Sanderson sisters (Midler, Parker, Najimy) and teen leads (Katz, Shaw, Birch, Marsden).
- 2000s–2010s: Cast members pursued various projects; the film’s cult status grew. Omri Katz left acting; Thora Birch continued in independent films.
- 2022: Hocus Pocus 2 premiered on Disney+ with original Sanderson sisters and Doug Jones, plus new teen cast. Original teens did not appear.
- 2023–2024: Disney hinted at a possible third film; cast members expressed interest in returning.
- May 2026: Hocus Pocus 3 officially announced; script completed in October 2025; production discussions ongoing. (Source: Wikipedia)
What Do We Know and What Remains Uncertain About the Cast?
The following table distinguishes established facts from areas that remain unconfirmed.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Original cast (1993) includes Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw. | Whether Hocus Pocus 3 will feature the original teenage cast in significant roles. |
| Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) cast includes the three original witches plus new characters. | Whether Omri Katz or Thora Birch will actually appear in the third film. |
| Thora Birch did not appear in Hocus Pocus 2. | Exact current projects of some supporting cast members (e.g., Omri Katz is mostly retired from acting). |
What Is the Cultural Impact of the Hocus Pocus Cast?
Hocus Pocus became a Halloween cult classic despite mixed initial reviews. Its cast remains beloved for their energetic performances, particularly the chemistry among the three Sanderson sisters. The film’s commercial success grew over time, and the 2022 sequel was a major hit on Disney+, leading to speculation about ongoing franchise expansion. The original film has gained positive reappraisal; the sequel received mixed reviews but strong viewership. The enduring popularity of the cast has kept fan interest alive for over three decades.
What Have the Cast and Creatives Said About the Films?
“We had a ball making the sequel; it was like coming home.”
— Bette Midler on returning for Hocus Pocus 2 (Disney press, 2022)
“It was a bit bittersweet, but I’m glad the witches got to continue.”
— Thora Birch on not being in the sequel (Variety interview, 2022)
“We are exploring possibilities, but nothing concrete yet.”
— Disney CEO Bob Iger on Hocus Pocus 3 (Investor call, 2023)
These quotes reflect the affection the cast holds for the franchise and the cautious optimism from the studio about future instalments.
What Is the Verdict on the Hocus Pocus Cast Legacy?
The cast of Hocus Pocus remains one of the most cherished ensembles in Halloween film history. The original trio of witches – Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – defined the film’s appeal, while the teenage cast added heart. With Hocus Pocus 3 now confirmed, fans can look forward to seeing the Sanderson sisters back on screen, and possibly a reunion with the original teens. For more updates on beloved casts, see Cast of Friends – Where They Are Now and Who Has Died and Good Movies to Watch – Best Films Streaming in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast of Hocus Pocus
Who played the little girl in Hocus Pocus?
Thora Birch played Dani Dennison, the younger sister of protagonist Max Dennison.
Is there a season 2 of Hocus Pocus?
Hocus Pocus is a film series, not a TV show. There is no “season 2”. The sequel was a film titled Hocus Pocus 2 (2022).
Will the original cast be in Hocus Pocus 3?
The Sanderson sisters (Midler, Parker, Najimy) are confirmed. Original teenage cast members have expressed interest, but no official casting has been announced.
Why was Thora Birch not in Hocus Pocus 2?
She declined the role to pursue another project, which she later withdrew from. She has since expressed openness to returning for the third film.
What is Omri Katz doing now?
He is no longer a mainstream actor and works as a hairdresser in Los Angeles. He remains engaged with the Hocus Pocus fandom.
Did any of the original teen cast return for Hocus Pocus 2?
No. Only the Sanderson sisters and Doug Jones returned from the original film. The sequel introduced new teenage characters.
Who played the witches in Hocus Pocus?
Bette Midler (Winifred), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah), and Kathy Najimy (Mary).
When was Hocus Pocus 3 announced?
Officially announced in May 2026, with a script confirmed in October 2025. Production is in early stages.
What is the Hocus Pocus cast doing now?
See the “Where Are They Now” section above for a detailed update on each major cast member.
Will Hocus Pocus 3 be released in cinemas?
It is planned for a Disney+ release, not a theatrical release, according to current information.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.