‘Hocus Pocus’ Sequel, ‘Hocus Pocus 2: Rise Of The Elderwitch’ Reportedly In The Works, New Cast

International Business Times
”˜Hocus Pocus’ Sequel, ‘Hocus Pocus 2: Rise Of The Elderwitch’ Reportedly In The Works, Where Are The Actors Now?
By AMANDA REMLING
July 9, 2012 3:13 PM EDT

Disney may be ready to cast another spell with a sequel to cult classic “Hocus Pocus.” EntertainmentWise.com is reporting that Disney is allegedly “plotting a sequel” to the 1993 film.

The original film starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as three sister witches who are accidentally resurrected on Halloween and attempt to suck the life out of children. It was up to Max (Omri Katz), Dani (Thora Birch), Allision (Vinessa Shaw) and an immortal cat (voiced by Sean Murray) to save the children in the Salem, Massachusetts town.

Originally director by Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical”), Moviehole.net says that they got word that Disney is “quietly developing plans for a sequel.” The site is even throwing out a name attached to the film remake, “Hocus Pocus 2: Rise of the Elderwitch.”

The new film is reportedly going to feature a whole new cast along with a whole new story of an “evildoer whose been unfortunately let loose again on suburban America.”

Moviehole.net continues that although “Hocus Pocus 2: Rise of the Elderwitch” is only in the development stages, Disney’s hope is to release the film in 2013.

Disney has not yet responded to the reports, but let’s take a walk through memory lane and see where the “Hocus Pocus” stars are now…

Bette Midler

Bette Midler played Winifred ”˜Winnie’ Sanderson in the film. Just like in 1993, Midler is still a household name. Now 66, the actress has focused less on her acting, and more on her career as an author, comedian and singer. In recent years Midler has appeared in 2004’s “The Stepford Wives,” and lent her voice to 2010’s “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.” (Mister D: Not to mention her 60 million dollar stint in Las Vegas, The Doris Freedman Award for her Charity work, and being inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame, Next up, the upcoming movie “Parental Guidance” with Billy Crystal)

Sarah Jessica Parker

Played Sarah Sanderson in “Hocus Pocus.” Went on to star in “Sex In The City” TV seies which spawned the mega-hits on the movie screen of the same name. Still active on film.

Kathy Najimy

Since playing third sister Mary Sanderson, Kathy Najimy has kept busy voicing Peggy Hill for the long running animated series “King of the Hill.” Najimy recently starred on the ABC Family series “Make It or Break It,” as Kelly’s mom, Sheila Baboyon.

Omri Katz

Omri Katz starred in “Hocus Pocus as Max Dennison, the virgin that started all the problems after lighting the candle to bring back the Sanderson sisters. Someone light a candle for Katz because he definitely fell off the face of the earth after the 1990’s. According to IMDB he played Brad in an episode of “Freaks and Geeks” in 1999, the role of “Tattoo Artist” in 2000 on “General Hospital,” and his recorded last role was Sean in a short film “Journey Into Night.” He did star as John Ross Ewing in “Dallas,” so my guess is Omri Katz might be more than willing to jump at either recent reboot.

Thora Birch

A very young Thora Birch played loud mouth Dani in “Hocus Pocus.”Birch went on to star in Academy Award winning film “American Beauty,” and most recently starred in the Lifetime movie “The Pregnancy Pact.”

Vinessa Shaw

Max’s beloved Allison was played by Vinessa Shaw, who has guest starred on numerous shows ranging from “House” to “CSI: NY.” After “Hocus Pocus,” Shaw went on to star in “40 Days and 40 Nights,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” and “3:10 To Yuma.”

Sean Murray

Sean Murray didn’t have much face time on screen as Thackery Binx, but he had a lot of action voicing Binx as a 300-year-old cat. Believe it or not that friendly cat is now special agent McGee on NCIS. Didn’t see that one coming did you?

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• Hocus Pocus Press Kit (bootlegbetty.com)