Hocus Pocus at 33: the surprising stories behind Disney’s Halloween favourite

Hocus Pocus has become one of Disney’s best-known Halloween films, but its journey began far from peak spooky season. The comedy, released on July 16, 1993, stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters, three 17th-century witches who return to modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, after the Black Flame Candle is lit on a full-moon Halloween.

The film opened in fourth place at the box office and made $39.5 million during its original theatrical run, before building a devoted following over the decades. Its revival as an October favourite was strong enough that it reached No. 2 at the box office in 2020. The cast later reunited for Hocus Pocus 2, released on Disney+ in 2022, and a third film was in early development as of May 2026.

Producer and co-writer David Kirschner first told the story to his daughters, later shaping it into a film. He said in October 2015 that Halloween had long been important in his family, adding: “It speaks to me in a way that becomes so emotional for me and always has.” During development, the project was called Halloween House, and screenwriter Mick Garris originally imagined a darker version than the family-friendly film audiences know today.

The filmmakers also went to unusual lengths to sell the idea. At a 2013 anniversary panel, Kirschner recalled that executives were invited into a darkened room decorated with witches’ brooms, a vacuum cleaner suspended from the ceiling and 15 lbs. of candy corn. One detail in the finished story does not quite match real life: the plot could not have taken place on Halloween 1993, because October 31 fell on a Sunday, meaning the school scenes would not have fitted that date.

Several cast details have since become part of the film’s lore. Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned to play Max but instead chose What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, later saying he turned down “more money than [he] ever dreamed of” because he wanted to stick to his instincts. Rosie O’Donnell said she was asked to play Mary but declined because she did not want to portray “the fat, mean witch who eats and kills kids”; the part went to Najimy. Jason Marsden voiced Thackery Binx in cat form and was already close friends with Omri Katz, who played Max.

The film’s music and performances have also attracted renewed attention. Parker’s character sings “Come, Little Children”, written by James Horner, who later wrote “My Heart Will Go On” for Titanic. Parker said in 2018 that she remembered filming more than the plot, but clearly recalled enjoying the flying scenes, saying she was “better than fine” while sitting on the rig between takes.

Costume designer Mary Vogt said Midler influenced the Sanderson sisters’ distinctive look, with director Kenny Ortega making clear she would not be dressed in a plain black witch outfit. Vogt said symbols on Midler’s robe were adapted from runes and Stonehenge references, then altered to avoid any specific meaning. She described Parker’s costume as inspired by Sleeping Beauty, while Najimy’s was designed to resemble “a witch baker”.