How Original Character From Hocus Pocus Nearly Appeared In Sequel

Hocus Pocus 2 had the original stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles from the 1993 cult classic film. But one cast member from the original nearly appeared in the sequel.

When speaking to Entertainment Weekly, co-star of the sequel Belissa Escobedo recently confirmed that an early version of the script they read featured Thora Birch’s Dani returning to offer guidance to the new adventure’s heroes. Additionally, Sam Richardson plays a prominent supporting role in the sequel as Gilbert, the owner of a magic shop, Escobedo shared that they don’t have a recollection of that character being in the version of the script that featured Dani. 

“She was going to be our schoolteacher, “I remember talking to Anne [Fletcher] about it being a thing where she was our teacher, and we went to her for help.”

EW also noted the reason that Birch wasn’t able to have a role in the sequel was due to her filming commitments to the Netflix series Wednesday, a project which she ultimately had to part ways due to scheduling issues. Last week, Birch recalled how disappointed she was not to be able to appear in the film.

“I was just a little dismayed I wasn’t able to make it,” Birch shared with Entertainment Tonight. “I was working on something else when they were filming … Otherwise I was definitely going to be there on set with the girls.” 

She added, “I can’t wait to see what they do with it. I know they’re taking a completely different, fresh approach, so I’m excited.”

The sequel did opt to focus on all-new figures as opposed to bringing back other original characters. Perhaps in a possible third installment, the filmmakers will bring some more original cast members back to the franchise.

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