Thora Birch Would Love to Reprise Role as Dani Dennison in Possible Hocus Pocus 3

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Thora Birch, the original star of the series, has expressed interest in appearing in a potential third film. While she didn’t participate in the second movie, she’s eager to join the cast if a new one is made.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Thora Birch said she’s definitely interested in returning as Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus 3. She’s curious to see what the writers and director have planned for her character and is hopeful about the possibility. Birch also mentioned that the team behind the movie enjoys discussing these kinds of ideas, so anything could happen.

The actress acknowledged that the 1993 movie wasn’t initially successful, but it has since gained a dedicated following as a cult classic. She explained that its original release was a disappointment, saying, “It really hurt when it first came out – it flopped. We were all upset because we had so much fun making it.”

In the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, Thora Birch played Dani alongside a well-known cast including Bette Midler as Winnie Sanderson, Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, Omri Katz as Max Dennison, and Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson.

Originally directed by Kenny Ortega with a script by Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert, the movie Hocus Pocus wasn’t well-received by critics when it first came out. However, over time, it gained a huge and dedicated fanbase, becoming a beloved cult classic. This popularity led to a long-awaited sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, which premiered on Disney+ in 2022 and proved to be much more successful than the original.

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and Thora Birch all returned to their roles in the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. However, Sean Murray, Jason Marsden, and Max Morrow, who played the children in the original film, did not appear, though actors briefly portrayed them in a flashback.

Following the success of Hocus Pocus 2, Disney confirmed in 2023 that a third movie was being planned. Anne Fletcher, who directed the second film, and Jen D’Angelo, the screenwriter, are both set to return. While details about the plot of Hocus Pocus 3 are still secret, it’s expected that the original Sanderson Sisters will be back. In July, those involved mentioned they had discussed the project with Disney and expressed a desire to move forward, though no concrete plans were in place at that time.

Why Another Original Star Isn’t Expecting to Return for Hocus Pocus 3

In a 2024 interview, the actor shared that he doesn’t anticipate being immediately asked to return as Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus 3, though he’d definitely be interested. He explained that for Hocus Pocus 2, he wasn’t contacted until after the three main actresses had signed their contracts. Once they were secured, he received a call to bring Billy back. He confirmed he would absolutely participate in a third film if offered the opportunity.

Jones admitted he wasn’t sure who was working on the story or which characters might return, like the original witches or Billy. He’s not part of those decisions, saying it’s beyond his role. However, he enthusiastically stated he’d absolutely be on board if asked to participate, expressing his fondness for Billy.

She confirmed she’s read the script for the third movie and thought much of it was excellent. However, the project hasn’t been officially greenlit yet, as the team is still working on finalizing the story.

The two Hocus Pocus movies are streaming on Disney+.

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2025-10-26 14:36