After decades of waiting, Hocus Pocus finally has a sequel. And while Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy returned for the new film, there are quite a few cast members from the original who did not return. This includes Thora Birch – who was initially reported to be wanted for Hocus Pocus 2. Now Thora Birch has explained what happened and why she couldn’t appear in the highly-anticipated sequel.
As revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, it seems like the issue was as simple as scheduling conflicts.
Thora Birch was already attached to another project and that was enough to keep her away from the production of Hocus Pocus 2. She insisted she really wanted to be in the film as well.
Here’s what Thora Birch specifically stated:
“I was just a little dismayed I wasn’t able to make it. I was working on something else when they were filming. Otherwise I was definitely going to be there on set with the girls.”
Of course, she’s still excited to see the sequel just like the rest of us.
“I can’t wait to see what they do with it,” Birch added. “I know they’re taking a completely different, fresh approach, so I’m excited.”
It’s certainly a disappointment that Thora Birch couldn’t have been involved with Hocus Pocus 2. But at least she tried her best and has nothing but great things to say about the sequel. And, on the plus side, there are still plenty of other great stars that are reprising their roles from the original 1993 film.
Anne Fletcher directed Hocus Pocus 2 from a screenplay written by Jen D’Angelo.
The cast for the film stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the original Sanderson Sisters. The cast also includes Whitney Peak as Becca, Lilia Buckingham as Cassie, and Belissa Escobedo as Izzy. Sam Richardson also stars along with Tony Hale, Hannah Waddingham, Froy Gutierrez, Juju Brener, Taylor Paige Henderson, and Nina Kitchen. Doug Jones returns as Billy Butcherson.
The new film Hocus Pocus 2 is currently available to stream via Disney Plus. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates as we have them.