14 surprising things you probably never knew about 'Hocus Pocus'

Marilyn La JeunesseOct 21, 2020, 02:56 IST

"Hocus Pocus" will surely get you in the Halloween mood.Walt Disney Pictures

Disney's "Hocus Pocus" was released in 1993 and it has since become a Halloween classic.
Leonardo DiCaprio said he was offered the chance to play Max, but he turned down the role.
Real moths fly out of Billy's mouth in the film, and the actor had to use a special pocket to stop them from flying down his throat.

It's been over 27 years since the initial release of "Hocus Pocus," but the 1993 movie is still a Halloween favorite.

Each October, fans ring in the season of spookiness by re-watching the Disney classic. This year, celebrate your yearly viewing of the movie with some hauntingly good film trivia.

Read on for 14 facts you probably didn't know about "Hocus Pocus."

Leonardo DiCaprio said he was offered the role of Max, but he turned it down.

Leonardo DiCaprio said he was offered a lot of money to play Max. Eugene Hoshiko/AP / Walt Disney Studios

Two actors helped bring Thackery Binx's character to life.

Sean Murray in "Hocus Pocus." Walt Disney Productions

Each witch had distinct broomstick choreography.

Peggy Holmes said each character had distinct traits when flying. Walt Disney Pictures

The director of "Hocus Pocus" also worked on other popular Disney films.

Kenny Ortega directed "Hocus Pocus." REUTERS/Fred Prouser

Bette Midler inspired her own costume.

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy in "Hocus Pocus." Walt Disney Pictures

Multiple cats were used on set to play Binx.

You probably wouldn't notice the difference between the cats. Walt Disney Pictures

Real moths fly out of Billy's mouth in the film.

The actor had to use a special pocket to stop the moths from flying down his throat. Walt Disney Pictures

"Hocus Pocus" started as a bedtime story.

Thora Birch in "Hocus Pocus." Walt Disney Pictures

The film was almost called "Halloween House."

The film was initially titled "Halloween House." Walt Disney Studios

Winnie's insults were accurate for the time-period.

Bette Midler's assistants followed her around with a book of old curses. Walt Disney Pictures

"Hocus Pocus" wasn't released around Halloween — and it initially flopped.

The movie was released in July. Walt Disney Pictures

The original trailer featured deleted scenes.

Kathy Najimy in the "Hocus Pocus" trailer. Walt Disney Pictures/YouTube

There's a "Hocus Pocus" show at Disney World's annual Halloween event.

The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular premiered in 2015. Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

"Hocus Pocus" has a book sequel, and a movie sequel is in the works.

In 2019, a Disney executive confirmed to the New York Times that a film sequel is in the works. Courtesy of Amazon

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