Hocus Pocus 2: Max Actor Says He Hasn’t Been Asked To Return for Sequel

Hocus Pocus original star, Omri Katz, hasn’t been asked to reprise his role as Max for the sequel film. Released in 1993, Hocus Pocus quickly became a cult classic and one of the most popular Halloween films of all time. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters, Hocus Pocus follows Max (Katz), his younger sister, Dani (Thora Birch), their neighbor, Allison (Vinessa Shaw), and a talking cat named Binx (Jason Marsden) as they attempt to defeat the trio of witches before they devour the souls of all the children in Salem, Massachusetts.

Last year, Disney announced that Hocus Pocus 2 was officially in the works. Slated to debut on Disney+ in the Fall of 2022, Hocus Pocus 2 will feature the return of Midler, Parker, and Najimy as Winnie, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson. Directed by Anne Fletcher, the sequel has kept major plot details under wraps. Last month, it was revealed that Hocus Pocus 2 would film in Rhode Island instead of Salem, Massachusetts, though it’s unclear if Rhode Island will stand in for Salem or if the movie has a new setting. Recently, Hocus Pocus 2 expanded its cast list and announced that Veep star Sam Richardson was cast in an undisclosed role.

Speaking with TMZ, Katz says he hasn’t been approached to reprise his role as Max for Hocus Pocus 2. Katz said he “would be honored” if he were asked to return for the sequel film and that “it would be good for the fans” to see Max involved. However, Katz confirmed he hasn’t yet heard from the creative forces behind Hocus Pocus 2 to appear as Max once more.

Although Katz may not return as a grown-up Max in Hocus Pocus 2, the actor admitted that he continues to keep in touch with former Hocus Pocus co-stars, Shaw and Birch. Of course, Katz appears to remain fond of the original film and said Hocus Pocus continues to “carry on generationally“, and has become an iconic Halloween movie. As it stands, Hocus Pocus 2 is expected to center on three young women who accidentally resurrect the Sanderson sisters and embark on a mission to stop the titular child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc.

Of course, Hocus Pocus 2 is one of the most anticipated titles coming to Disney+ in 2022. As for Katz, even if the actor doesn’t reprise his role as Max, he remains a staple in the Hocus Pocus legacy. Indeed, if Katz were to return, it could be expected that a grown-up Dani and Allison would also make cameo appearances. It remains to be seen if Hocus Pocus 2 follows the teenage daughter of Max and Allison, which is the premise of the young adult novel, Hocus Pocus & The All-New Sequel. Perhaps further details about Hocus Pocus 2 will be unveiled at the upcoming Disney+ Day in November.

Source: TMZ 

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Bethany Guerrero
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