Omri Katz (L) and Thora Birch inHocus Pocus(1993).Photo: Everett
Omri Katz may not be appearing inHocus Pocus 2, but he can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Speaking withEntertainment Weeklyfor an interview published Wednesday, the former actor said “unfortunately” he’s “not in” the sequel to the 1993 movie, in which he played Max Dennison, the teenage protagonist who lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the Sanderson Sisters:Bette Midler,Kathy NajimyandSarah Jessica Parker, who all reprise their roles in the new film.
Katz, 46, said he “would have loved to be involved” in the sequel, adding, “I feel bad for the original fan base saying we aren’t because I’m sure they wanted to see us reprise our roles.”
But he’s excited for the “new fan base” the movie will “attract.”
“I think it’ll be good for everyone who loved the original!” Katz toldEW. “I hope fans will go see it. I know I will.”
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Katz is one of several cast members from the first film who haven’t been announced to return in the sequel, includingThora BirchandVinessa Shaw. (Jason Marsden, who voiced Binx the cat, was also confirmedto not be returning.)
Back in October 2021, Shaw — who played Max’s love interest and Max and Dani’s (Birch, now 40) witch-hunting partner in crime, Allison, in the 1993 film — toldEntertainment Tonightthat while she hadn’t “heard anything” about the sequel, she “would love to do” it.
“It would be so much fun,” added Shaw, 46. “I think there’s just a different storyline with younger people, but why can’t we all come back in some way?”
Shealso had a theory for where her character Allisonwould be almost three decades later, after originally teaming up with Max and Dani to save the children of Salem, Massachusetts.
“I feel like she and Max are still together but I think Allison’s from Salem and he always wants to be in California. I think they did some sort of compromise and maybe she’s in Salem when the witches come back, you know, visiting her mom or something,” Shaw said.
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Despite their apparent non-involvement in the sequel, Katz, Shaw and Birch had amini reunion for the first movie’s 25th anniversaryback in October 2018.
DirectorKenny Ortegaalso posted a snapshot from the night, in which he appeared with Birch, Katz and Shaw.
“25 Glorious Hocus Pocus Years later - a Magical Night Celebrating with the Fabulous Thora Birch “Dani”, Omri Katz “Max” and Vinessa Shaw “Allison” ❌🎃#itsjustabunchofhocuspocus,” Ortega, 72, captioned thenostalgia-inducing photo.
source: people.com
