Reese Witherspoon In Cruel Intentions Flashback ( Photo Credit – Prime Video )
Reese Witherspoon may have dazzled as the sweet and composed Annette in Cruel Intentions, but her road to the role wasn’t paved with studio deals or script admiration. Instead, it took a tipsy dinner, some desperate charm, and a director literally dropping to his knees. Back in the late ’90s, filmmaker Roger Kumble found himself stuck between studio pressure and his personal pick for the film’s leading lady. What followed wasn’t a typical casting process — unless your idea of negotiations includes alcohol, boyfriend leverage, and on-the-spot rewrites. Keep reading, because this behind-the-scenes story is a scene in itself.
How the Director Landed His Leading Lady in Cruel Intentions
In 1999, director Roger Kumble was gearing up for his first feature, Cruel Intentions. With the pressure to lock in the perfect cast, one key role was left dangling — Annette,...
Reese Witherspoon may have dazzled as the sweet and composed Annette in Cruel Intentions, but her road to the role wasn’t paved with studio deals or script admiration. Instead, it took a tipsy dinner, some desperate charm, and a director literally dropping to his knees. Back in the late ’90s, filmmaker Roger Kumble found himself stuck between studio pressure and his personal pick for the film’s leading lady. What followed wasn’t a typical casting process — unless your idea of negotiations includes alcohol, boyfriend leverage, and on-the-spot rewrites. Keep reading, because this behind-the-scenes story is a scene in itself.
How the Director Landed His Leading Lady in Cruel Intentions
In 1999, director Roger Kumble was gearing up for his first feature, Cruel Intentions. With the pressure to lock in the perfect cast, one key role was left dangling — Annette,...
- 8/2/2025
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Actor Doug Jones has been through a lot in a career that has frequently required him to contort his body, wear outlandish costumes, and get encased in monster prosthetics. However, it's possible that his strangest on-screen act came in one of his earliest roles, when he had to hold live moths in his mouth during the filming of the 1993 horror comedy classic Hocus Pocus. Jones discussed the unusual stunt at the FanX Atl Comics Convention this weekend at a panel moderated by Collider's Maggie Lovitt.
In the scene, Jones' character, a 400-year-old zombie named Billy Butcherson, cuts open the stitches holding his mouth together:
"That was before CG, when computer graphics were not nearly good enough. So we did it for real. So I had three moths in my mouth...they had to build a sheath for it, they call it a dental dam, so upper and lower pieces made of latex,...
In the scene, Jones' character, a 400-year-old zombie named Billy Butcherson, cuts open the stitches holding his mouth together:
"That was before CG, when computer graphics were not nearly good enough. So we did it for real. So I had three moths in my mouth...they had to build a sheath for it, they call it a dental dam, so upper and lower pieces made of latex,...
- 7/20/2025
- by Rob London, Maggie Lovitt
- Collider.com
Michael C. Hall’s Underrated Crime Thriller (Photo Credit – Prime Video)
Emmy-nominated actor Michael C. Hall is all set to reprise his role as the iconic serial killer Dexter Morgan in the much-anticipated sequel Dexter: Resurrection, which premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime in the US on July 11, 2025.
In India, the eagerly anticipated series is expected to stream on Jio Hotstar. While fans await his return, there’s another gripping performance of his worth checking out — the underrated crime thriller Cold in July. Read on to find out what the film is about and where you can stream it on Ott.
Cold In July – Plot & Cast
Based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same name, this 1980s Texas-set crime thriller follows Richard Dane (played by Michael C. Hall), a mild-mannered family man who shoots and kills an intruder in self-defense. Hailed as a local hero, Richard’s world is...
Emmy-nominated actor Michael C. Hall is all set to reprise his role as the iconic serial killer Dexter Morgan in the much-anticipated sequel Dexter: Resurrection, which premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime in the US on July 11, 2025.
In India, the eagerly anticipated series is expected to stream on Jio Hotstar. While fans await his return, there’s another gripping performance of his worth checking out — the underrated crime thriller Cold in July. Read on to find out what the film is about and where you can stream it on Ott.
Cold In July – Plot & Cast
Based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same name, this 1980s Texas-set crime thriller follows Richard Dane (played by Michael C. Hall), a mild-mannered family man who shoots and kills an intruder in self-defense. Hailed as a local hero, Richard’s world is...
- 7/10/2025
- by Pranshu Awasthi
- KoiMoi
Remakes are often maligned among horror fans, but without them we wouldn’t have films like The Fly, The Thing, or The Blob. Granted, for all of the gems there are, there’s an equal measure of awful remakes as well. The line that separates the remakes between great and lackluster usually falls upon the director, their vision, and their intent for the new update. In the case of The Hills Have Eyes, it was original creator Wes Craven that saw an opportunity to update his gritty 1977 film after seeing the success of remakes like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in the early aughts.
After watching High Tension, Craven approached director Alexandre Aja and his screenwriting partner Gregory Levasseur about the possibility of updating his film with the caveat that it has a new approach and something worthwhile in justifying its existence in the first place. The collaboration between the horror...
After watching High Tension, Craven approached director Alexandre Aja and his screenwriting partner Gregory Levasseur about the possibility of updating his film with the caveat that it has a new approach and something worthwhile in justifying its existence in the first place. The collaboration between the horror...
- 7/9/2025
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Back in 1976, Spanish filmmaker Narciso Ibáñez Serrador brought the world the horror film Who Can Kill a Child? (or ¿Quién puede matar a un niño?), based on the novel El juego de los niños by Juan José Plans. The film has gained a strong cult following over the decades, and was even ranked at number 86 on Slant Magazine’s list of “The 100 Best Horror Movies of All Time.” So, of course, it got a remake, with filmmaker Makinov writing, directing, producing, editing, and serving as cinematographer on the 2012 Mexican production Come Out and Play. And now, Deadline reports that it’s getting another remake, or reimagining, as Rodrigue Huart is set to write and direct a new take on the material that’s called Suffer Little Children for Paramount Pictures.
Walter Hamada is producing the film through his 18Hz Productions, under the company’s output deal at Paramount. Also on...
Walter Hamada is producing the film through his 18Hz Productions, under the company’s output deal at Paramount. Also on...
- 6/18/2025
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Dark Star Pictures has acquired North American distribution rights to The Wilderness, a thriller written and directed by Spencer King (Nickels) and produced by Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) and Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil).
The film stars Hunter Doohan (Wednesday), who also serves as a producer, with Lamar Johnson (The Last of Us), Sam Jaeger (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Aaron Holliday (Cocaine Bear). Rounding out the cast are Matt Gomez-Hidaka (Eddington), Liana Liberato (Scream), Sean Avery (Oppenheimer), Vinessa Shaw (Hocus Pocus) and James Le Gros (Drugstore Cowboy).
The film’s synopsis reads: A group of troubled teenage boys are kidnapped from their homes and taken deep into the unforgiving Utah desert, where they are forced into a brutal and secretive Wilderness Therapy program. With no contact with the outside world, their only way home is to earn the approval of the enigmatic program director, whose motives are far from therapeutic.
The film stars Hunter Doohan (Wednesday), who also serves as a producer, with Lamar Johnson (The Last of Us), Sam Jaeger (The Handmaid’s Tale), and Aaron Holliday (Cocaine Bear). Rounding out the cast are Matt Gomez-Hidaka (Eddington), Liana Liberato (Scream), Sean Avery (Oppenheimer), Vinessa Shaw (Hocus Pocus) and James Le Gros (Drugstore Cowboy).
The film’s synopsis reads: A group of troubled teenage boys are kidnapped from their homes and taken deep into the unforgiving Utah desert, where they are forced into a brutal and secretive Wilderness Therapy program. With no contact with the outside world, their only way home is to earn the approval of the enigmatic program director, whose motives are far from therapeutic.
- 6/17/2025
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Every cent counts on a movie set, so it’s understandable that sometimes, a character’s outfit is simply plucked from the studio closet rather than sourced wholesale. After all, it’s not like anyone’s going to know that the heroine of this fall’s teen rom-com is wearing the same jeans as the heroine of last fall’s teen rom-com. Some costumes are so iconic, however, that the very idea of reusing them is both blasphemy and ballsy as hell.
They really thought we wouldn’t notice that…
5 Vinessa Shaw Wears the Same Gown in ‘Hocus Pocus’ as Michelle Pfeiffer in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’
It’s not clear what Alison’s Halloween costume in Hocus Pocus is supposed to be, but apparently, it’s Madame de Tourvel. Five years earlier, James Archeson won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Dangerous Liaisons, so it makes sense that Alison would...
They really thought we wouldn’t notice that…
5 Vinessa Shaw Wears the Same Gown in ‘Hocus Pocus’ as Michelle Pfeiffer in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’
It’s not clear what Alison’s Halloween costume in Hocus Pocus is supposed to be, but apparently, it’s Madame de Tourvel. Five years earlier, James Archeson won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Dangerous Liaisons, so it makes sense that Alison would...
- 3/16/2025
- Cracked
The star-studded cast of Ben Affleck’s Netflix thriller “Animals” is bolstering its ranks. Ray Fisher, Mark Kassen and Christopher Woodley have joined the film alongside Affleck, Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Adriana Paz.
Golden Globe and Emmy nominated filmmaker, playwright and actor Mark Kassen is the founder of Like Minded Entertainment and co-founder of the civic engagement platform A Starting Point. Mark’s feature film directing and producing credits include “Puncture” starring Chris Evans, “Bernard and Doris” starring Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon for HBO, and Chris Evans’ ‘Before We Go”.
Kassen has produced and been showrunner of multiple scripted, reality and documentary series across networks such as Fox, MTV, IFC, AMC and Sundance Channel. He also starred in the Tony Award winning Broadway production of “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” and as wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway, multimedia play “Little Willy.
Golden Globe and Emmy nominated filmmaker, playwright and actor Mark Kassen is the founder of Like Minded Entertainment and co-founder of the civic engagement platform A Starting Point. Mark’s feature film directing and producing credits include “Puncture” starring Chris Evans, “Bernard and Doris” starring Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon for HBO, and Chris Evans’ ‘Before We Go”.
Kassen has produced and been showrunner of multiple scripted, reality and documentary series across networks such as Fox, MTV, IFC, AMC and Sundance Channel. He also starred in the Tony Award winning Broadway production of “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” and as wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway, multimedia play “Little Willy.
- 3/7/2025
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
The Hocus Pocus franchise has become a mainstay of Halloween playlists thanks in large part to its beloved characters. While the mischievous Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, take center stage with their indelible blend of humor and magic, Doug Jones' portrayal of the resurrected zombie, Billy Butcherson, also left a lasting impression. Billy, a lovable zombie with a heart of gold and a conflicted past, became an integral part of the Hocus Pocus lore and endeared fans with his distinct appearance and dry wit.
In the original 1993 film, Billy is introduced as Winifred's former lover, now cursed to serve the Sanderson sisters in the afterlife. Over the course of the movie, he forms an alliance with the young protagonists and helps them defeat the witches and restore balance in Salem. In Hocus Pocus 2, Billy Butcherson's character arc comes to a poignant...
In the original 1993 film, Billy is introduced as Winifred's former lover, now cursed to serve the Sanderson sisters in the afterlife. Over the course of the movie, he forms an alliance with the young protagonists and helps them defeat the witches and restore balance in Salem. In Hocus Pocus 2, Billy Butcherson's character arc comes to a poignant...
- 12/29/2024
- by Soniya Hinduja
- MovieWeb
Stanley Kubrick’s Mind Games On Set ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
“Stanley Kubrick Played Mind Games with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut.” That’s not just a juicy headline—it’s the reality behind the grueling 46-week shoot of Kubrick’s final film. The director wasn’t just making a movie but pushing his actors to extremes. Cruise and Kidman, both seasoned pros, found themselves in a strange mix of artistry and discomfort, all thanks to Kubrick’s infamous obsession with perfection.
Filming Eyes Wide Shut was no walk in the park. It was the most extended consistent film shoot in cinema history, from November 1996 to June 1998. The notoriously demanding Kubrick wasn’t exactly known for his light touch, and this time, his mind games would leave their mark on his stars. According to Vinessa Shaw, who played a sex worker in the film, even Tom Cruise started to feel the toll.
“Stanley Kubrick Played Mind Games with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut.” That’s not just a juicy headline—it’s the reality behind the grueling 46-week shoot of Kubrick’s final film. The director wasn’t just making a movie but pushing his actors to extremes. Cruise and Kidman, both seasoned pros, found themselves in a strange mix of artistry and discomfort, all thanks to Kubrick’s infamous obsession with perfection.
Filming Eyes Wide Shut was no walk in the park. It was the most extended consistent film shoot in cinema history, from November 1996 to June 1998. The notoriously demanding Kubrick wasn’t exactly known for his light touch, and this time, his mind games would leave their mark on his stars. According to Vinessa Shaw, who played a sex worker in the film, even Tom Cruise started to feel the toll.
- 12/20/2024
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Thanksgiving—a time for gratitude, cherished family gatherings, football, and praying five pounds of over-indulgence miraculously provides nourishment for our bodies. But beneath the surface of this warm and festive holiday lies a darker, more sinister side. Today, we delve into the macabre as we carve into some of the best the holiday has to offer. Whether you crave campy thrills, gory chills, or dark humor, this list offers a feast of frights to satisfy every horror fan. Let’s dig in.
10. Home Sweet Home (1981)
We start our countdown with Home Sweet Home, a low-budget slasher from the early ‘80s that exemplifies the chaotic energy of the genre’s heyday. The film revolves around an escaped mental patient named Jay Jones, a hulking psychopath who injects himself with Pcp and goes on a killing spree. His path of destruction leads him to the Bradley family’s secluded home, where they...
10. Home Sweet Home (1981)
We start our countdown with Home Sweet Home, a low-budget slasher from the early ‘80s that exemplifies the chaotic energy of the genre’s heyday. The film revolves around an escaped mental patient named Jay Jones, a hulking psychopath who injects himself with Pcp and goes on a killing spree. His path of destruction leads him to the Bradley family’s secluded home, where they...
- 11/28/2024
- by Michael Conway
- JoBlo.com
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Yellowstone season 5, episode 11.Yellowstone season 5, episode 11, "Three Fifty-Three," finally explains the purpose of the flashbacks that have dominated the second half of the final season. The series returned after a two-year hiatus to wrap up what is likely to be its grand finale. It began with the explosive reveal that Kevin Costner's John Dutton is dead, but followed this up by jumping back in time for most of the episode. Yellowstone season 5, episode 10 also contains many flashbacks, totaling about half of the entire broadcast.
Yellowstone season 5, episode 11 then has its own long flashback sequence, featuring Beth (Kelly Reilly) reluctantly leaving Rip (Cole Hauser) in Texas to drive back to Montana overnight while Kayce (Luke Grimes), Monica (Kelsey Asbille), and Tate (Brecken Merrill) move into their new home and have their first dinner. However, these flashbacks catch up to the present, as John's murder...
Yellowstone season 5, episode 11 then has its own long flashback sequence, featuring Beth (Kelly Reilly) reluctantly leaving Rip (Cole Hauser) in Texas to drive back to Montana overnight while Kayce (Luke Grimes), Monica (Kelsey Asbille), and Tate (Brecken Merrill) move into their new home and have their first dinner. However, these flashbacks catch up to the present, as John's murder...
- 11/27/2024
- by Jack Ori
- ScreenRant
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Yellowstone season 5, episode 11, "Three Fifty-Three."Yellowstone season 5, episode 11, entitled "Three Fifty-Three," features a medical examiner who is played by Vinessa Shaw, an actress who is known for several other projects. "Three Fifty-Three" focuses on the investigation into John Dutton's murder. A flashback scene shows Yellowstone's John Dutton dead after being attacked by several masked intruders before jumping to the present, where Kayce is investigating the crime. Part of his investigation takes him to the coroner's office.
The medical examiner is an important part of the aftermath of Kevin Costner's exit from Yellowstone in "Three-Fifty-Three." Kayce spends a long time in the coroner's office and must convince her to let him look at the body and re-examine it, which leads to the pivotal plot point of the local police re-opening the investigation and declaring that John's death is a homicide. Without this plot point, Yellowstone...
The medical examiner is an important part of the aftermath of Kevin Costner's exit from Yellowstone in "Three-Fifty-Three." Kayce spends a long time in the coroner's office and must convince her to let him look at the body and re-examine it, which leads to the pivotal plot point of the local police re-opening the investigation and declaring that John's death is a homicide. Without this plot point, Yellowstone...
- 11/26/2024
- by Jack Ori
- ScreenRant
Note: The following story contains spoilers from “Yellowstone” Season 5, Episode 1.
“Yellowstone” viewers were treated to a familiar face on Sunday night. If you’re wondering who played the medical examiner in “Three Fifty-Three,” you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know about Vinessa Shaw and her connection to “Hocus Pocus.”
Who plays the medical examiner on “Yellowstone?”
That would be Vinessa Shaw, who is best known for starring as teenager Allison Watts in the 1993 cult hit “Hocus Pocus.” Allison is one of the protagonists of the Halloween comedy-fantasy film and is the crush and eventual girlfriend of Max Dennison.
The second half of Season 5 started with John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) apparent suicide, an event that has left his children with questions and doubts. In reality, John Dutton was murdered by a team of team of black ops mercenaries who come close to getting away with it...
“Yellowstone” viewers were treated to a familiar face on Sunday night. If you’re wondering who played the medical examiner in “Three Fifty-Three,” you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know about Vinessa Shaw and her connection to “Hocus Pocus.”
Who plays the medical examiner on “Yellowstone?”
That would be Vinessa Shaw, who is best known for starring as teenager Allison Watts in the 1993 cult hit “Hocus Pocus.” Allison is one of the protagonists of the Halloween comedy-fantasy film and is the crush and eventual girlfriend of Max Dennison.
The second half of Season 5 started with John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) apparent suicide, an event that has left his children with questions and doubts. In reality, John Dutton was murdered by a team of team of black ops mercenaries who come close to getting away with it...
- 11/25/2024
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Note: This story contains spoilers from “Yellowstone” Season 5, Episode 11.
Historically, “Yellowstone” has been at its most interesting, most explosive when the Duttons have had their backs up against the wall. Someone threatened their land or their livelihood, so they got a posse together and drove the attackers back.
In recent seasons though, that’s been easier said than done not just because they’ve been rustling with the evil Market Equities, but also because they’re trying to go up against the faceless enormity of the U.S. Government. It’s why John Dutton (Kevin Costner) became governor, and probably somewhat true to the experience of an actual rancher. But as a viewer, there’s just something kind of “meh” element to the Duttons trying to muddle their way through easements, eminent domain claims and estate tax issues.
That’s where we are in “Yellowstone” Season 5, Episode 11, titled “Three Fifty-Three” though,...
Historically, “Yellowstone” has been at its most interesting, most explosive when the Duttons have had their backs up against the wall. Someone threatened their land or their livelihood, so they got a posse together and drove the attackers back.
In recent seasons though, that’s been easier said than done not just because they’ve been rustling with the evil Market Equities, but also because they’re trying to go up against the faceless enormity of the U.S. Government. It’s why John Dutton (Kevin Costner) became governor, and probably somewhat true to the experience of an actual rancher. But as a viewer, there’s just something kind of “meh” element to the Duttons trying to muddle their way through easements, eminent domain claims and estate tax issues.
That’s where we are in “Yellowstone” Season 5, Episode 11, titled “Three Fifty-Three” though,...
- 11/25/2024
- by Marah Eakin
- The Wrap
French sales Other Angle (“A Little Something Extra”) has boarded “Ph-1,” a tech-driven political thriller starring Mark Kassen, Abubakar Salim, Dina Shihabi, Vinessa Shaw and Jesse L. Martin.
An actor-filmmaker, Kassen directed the movie from a script he co-wrote with Cheryl Guerriero. Kassen produced the movie alongside Iliana Nikolic under his production banner Like Minded Entertainment.
“Ph-1” follows a politician with a promising future who is trapped in his luxurious penthouse by a remote captor and is forced to witness his life destroyed by social and conventional media. He embarks on a journey to escape the premise while also struggling to uncover who framed him and why.
An actor-turned-filmmaker, Kassen previously directed “Puncture” starring Chris Evans, and “Bernard and Doris” starring Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon for HBO, as well Evans’s “Before We Go.”
Now completed, “Ph-1” has a contemporary resonance, Kassen said, because “we are reliving the cultural landscape of the 1970’s.
An actor-filmmaker, Kassen directed the movie from a script he co-wrote with Cheryl Guerriero. Kassen produced the movie alongside Iliana Nikolic under his production banner Like Minded Entertainment.
“Ph-1” follows a politician with a promising future who is trapped in his luxurious penthouse by a remote captor and is forced to witness his life destroyed by social and conventional media. He embarks on a journey to escape the premise while also struggling to uncover who framed him and why.
An actor-turned-filmmaker, Kassen previously directed “Puncture” starring Chris Evans, and “Bernard and Doris” starring Ralph Fiennes and Susan Sarandon for HBO, as well Evans’s “Before We Go.”
Now completed, “Ph-1” has a contemporary resonance, Kassen said, because “we are reliving the cultural landscape of the 1970’s.
- 11/5/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Its time to take the 3:10 to Yuma all over again when director James Mangolds Western remake pulls into the streaming train station on Paramount+ beginning Friday, November 1. Starring Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, the film even outshines director Delmer Daves 1957 original, which came out 50 years beforehand, in the eyes of the late movie critic and Chicago Sun-Times journalist, Roger Ebert.
Ebert gave 3:10 to Yuma a perfect four-star rating, and he was particularly impressed by the quality of the acting, which he wrote about in his original review (per RogerEbert.com):
James Mangolds 3:10 to Yuma restores the wounded heart of the Western and rescues it from the morass of pointless violence. The Western in its glory days was often a morality play, a story about humanist values penetrating the lawless anarchy of the frontier.
It still follows that tradition in films like [Clint] Eastwoods Unforgiven, but the audiences...
Ebert gave 3:10 to Yuma a perfect four-star rating, and he was particularly impressed by the quality of the acting, which he wrote about in his original review (per RogerEbert.com):
James Mangolds 3:10 to Yuma restores the wounded heart of the Western and rescues it from the morass of pointless violence. The Western in its glory days was often a morality play, a story about humanist values penetrating the lawless anarchy of the frontier.
It still follows that tradition in films like [Clint] Eastwoods Unforgiven, but the audiences...
- 10/25/2024
- by Steven Thrash
- MovieWeb
Hocus Pocus comes close to a major box office milestone years after its release. Hocus Pocus is a Halloween-themed film originally released in 1993. The movie tells the story about a boy named Max who, upon moving to Salem, Massachusetts, accidentally unlocks three evil witches, played by Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker. In addition to these stars, Hocus Pocus featured a cast including Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Amanda Shepherd, and Larry Bagby. It was followed up by the sequel film Hocus Pocus 2 nearly 30 years later in 2022.
As per Collider, the rerelease of Hocus Pocus is now pushing the film close to a major milestone. Last weekend, the film earned just under $1 million, putting its total at $49.9 million. This means that the rerelease needs to bring in just $100,000 this weekend to push Hocus Pocus past the $50 million mark. During the near-million weekend, the rerelease outperformed some returning 2024 titles,...
As per Collider, the rerelease of Hocus Pocus is now pushing the film close to a major milestone. Last weekend, the film earned just under $1 million, putting its total at $49.9 million. This means that the rerelease needs to bring in just $100,000 this weekend to push Hocus Pocus past the $50 million mark. During the near-million weekend, the rerelease outperformed some returning 2024 titles,...
- 10/23/2024
- by Hannah Gearan
- ScreenRant
The cast of Hocus Pocus returned to Salem, Massachusetts for the second annual It’s Just a Buncha Halloween on October 11-13.
Actors Omri Katz (Max), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), Jason Marsden (Binx), Larry Bagby (Ice), and Tobias Jelinek (Jay) helped organize the fan-focused celebration of Disney’s Halloween classic.
Following a Samhain celebration, a meet and greet, a burlesque show, and a trolley tour, the magical weekend concluded with the actors providing live commentary to a screening of the film at The Cabot in nearby Beverly.
Here are 10 things fans learned about Hocus Pocus…
1. The original script was much darker.
The original script that eventually became Hocus Pocus, written by master of horror Mick Garris, was much darker.
“Most people don’t know that this movie was originally written very scary, and then it was later rewritten to be a comedy,” Shaw explained. “I think it’s so much better as a comedy.
Actors Omri Katz (Max), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), Jason Marsden (Binx), Larry Bagby (Ice), and Tobias Jelinek (Jay) helped organize the fan-focused celebration of Disney’s Halloween classic.
Following a Samhain celebration, a meet and greet, a burlesque show, and a trolley tour, the magical weekend concluded with the actors providing live commentary to a screening of the film at The Cabot in nearby Beverly.
Here are 10 things fans learned about Hocus Pocus…
1. The original script was much darker.
The original script that eventually became Hocus Pocus, written by master of horror Mick Garris, was much darker.
“Most people don’t know that this movie was originally written very scary, and then it was later rewritten to be a comedy,” Shaw explained. “I think it’s so much better as a comedy.
- 10/22/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Hocus Pocus is heading back to theaters. The fan-favorite 1993 fantasy movie will return to the big screen for a special one-night engagement in October.
Fandango recently asked fans on X if they were "Ready for the Black Flame Candle to be lit again?" before announcing that Hocus Pocus would return to theaters on Oct. 18, 2024. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the PG-rated movie follows teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) as he inadvertently resurrects a trio of witches known as the Sanderson Sisters on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts.
Related Phantom of the Opera Movie in the Works at Disney+ With Hocus Pocus Director
Disney+ is developing a YA reimagination of The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Kenny Ortega. The project could become a major new franchise.
Ready for the Black Flame Candle to be lit again? #HocusPocus is returning to theaters on October 18 pic.twitter.com/i3bG1DdETt Fandango (@Fandango...
Fandango recently asked fans on X if they were "Ready for the Black Flame Candle to be lit again?" before announcing that Hocus Pocus would return to theaters on Oct. 18, 2024. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the PG-rated movie follows teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) as he inadvertently resurrects a trio of witches known as the Sanderson Sisters on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts.
Related Phantom of the Opera Movie in the Works at Disney+ With Hocus Pocus Director
Disney+ is developing a YA reimagination of The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Kenny Ortega. The project could become a major new franchise.
Ready for the Black Flame Candle to be lit again? #HocusPocus is returning to theaters on October 18 pic.twitter.com/i3bG1DdETt Fandango (@Fandango...
- 9/16/2024
- by Lee Freitag
- CBR
Rebel Ridge is a crime action thriller film written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier. The Netflix film is set in the town of Shelby Springs and it follows the story of Terry Richmond, a former marine as he comes to town to post bail for his cousin but when his savings are unlawfully taken by corrupt local police officers led by Chief Sandy Burnne, he decides to fight against the ones spreading corruption. Rebel Ridge stars Aaron Pierre in the lead role with Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Steve Zissis, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the brutal action, thrilling story, and compelling characters in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge here are some similar movies you should check out next.
Wrath of Man (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – MGM
Wrath of Man is an action thriller drama film directed by Guy Ritchie from a screenplay co-written by Ritchie,...
Wrath of Man (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – MGM
Wrath of Man is an action thriller drama film directed by Guy Ritchie from a screenplay co-written by Ritchie,...
- 9/7/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
One of the many films to premiere on Netflix at the start of September has found extraordinary success compared to its counterparts. 3:10 to Yuma, the western remake starring Christian Bale, Logan Lerman, and Dallas Roberts, jumped into the Netflix top 10 after premiering on the first and has been sitting comfortably in the #4 spot. The film follows a small-time rancher who agrees to help hold a captured outlaw awaiting trial in Yuma. An intense battle of wills follows as the outlaw tries to outsmart the rancher. In addition to Bale, Lerman, and Roberts, 3:10 to Yuma also stars Russell Crowe, Peter Fonda, and Vinessa Shaw, and currently sits at impressive, "certified fresh" scores of 89% from critics and 81% from general audiences on the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.
- 9/5/2024
- by Adam Blevins
- Collider.com
Exclusive: Lisette Olivera (National Treasure: Edge of History) has landed a series regular role on CBS’s popular police procedural FBI, sources tell Deadline.
We’re told that the actress will be playing Syd, a trained Behavioral Analysis Unit Agent who is about to rotate into the field.
Wrapping up its sixth season in May, FBI follows the inner workings of the New York field office criminal division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as they fight to keep New York City and the country safe.
Others in the cast include Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza, John Boyd and Katherine Renee Kane. Produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with CBS Studios, the show’s executive producers include Dick Wolf, Mike Weiss, Alex Chapple, Amanda Slater, Rick Eid and Peter Jankowski.
FBI was handed a three-season renewal in April,...
We’re told that the actress will be playing Syd, a trained Behavioral Analysis Unit Agent who is about to rotate into the field.
Wrapping up its sixth season in May, FBI follows the inner workings of the New York field office criminal division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as they fight to keep New York City and the country safe.
Others in the cast include Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza, John Boyd and Katherine Renee Kane. Produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with CBS Studios, the show’s executive producers include Dick Wolf, Mike Weiss, Alex Chapple, Amanda Slater, Rick Eid and Peter Jankowski.
FBI was handed a three-season renewal in April,...
- 8/19/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
One of James Mangold's best films, starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, is coming to Netflix very soon.
Not all remakes are bad, as is the case for Mangold's 2007 film, 3:10 to Yuma. The thrilling western starring Crowe and Bale will drop on Netflix on Sept. 1. The film is a remake of the 1957 classic directed by Delmer Daves, which starred the iconic Glenn Ford. 3:10 to Yuma is set in Arizona in the 1800s, centering around infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) and his gang who have caused chaos around the Southern Railroad. When the outlaw is captured, Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Bale) who is struggling to make ends meet, agrees to assist in transferring Wade to the "3:10 to Yuma," a train that will take Wade to trial.
Related 10 Best Russell Crowe Movies, Ranked
Russell Crowe is an Oscar-winning actor, known for movies like Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind,...
Not all remakes are bad, as is the case for Mangold's 2007 film, 3:10 to Yuma. The thrilling western starring Crowe and Bale will drop on Netflix on Sept. 1. The film is a remake of the 1957 classic directed by Delmer Daves, which starred the iconic Glenn Ford. 3:10 to Yuma is set in Arizona in the 1800s, centering around infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) and his gang who have caused chaos around the Southern Railroad. When the outlaw is captured, Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Bale) who is struggling to make ends meet, agrees to assist in transferring Wade to the "3:10 to Yuma," a train that will take Wade to trial.
Related 10 Best Russell Crowe Movies, Ranked
Russell Crowe is an Oscar-winning actor, known for movies like Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind,...
- 8/17/2024
- by Adam Meilstrup
- CBR
Bette Midler is eager for Hocus Pocus 3 to head into production sooner rather than later. The original 1993 film struggled against Jurassic Park but gained a cult following. Fans are excited about the promised sequel, hoping Disney will fast-track production.
The witch is back, and there's hell to pay or at least there will be if Bette Midler gets her wish for Hocus Pocus 3. The Hollywood legend opened up about a potential third installment in the franchise and expressed her desire for Disney to get a move on with the film's production while the cast is "still breathing".
During an appearance on Busy This Week, Midler shared some disappointing news: she has not yet seen a script for the third movie in the franchise. "I haven't seen the script but I've heard rumblings, but I haven't seen anything," Midler said. "But I think if they're gonna [make it], they oughta, because time is not just marching,...
The witch is back, and there's hell to pay or at least there will be if Bette Midler gets her wish for Hocus Pocus 3. The Hollywood legend opened up about a potential third installment in the franchise and expressed her desire for Disney to get a move on with the film's production while the cast is "still breathing".
During an appearance on Busy This Week, Midler shared some disappointing news: she has not yet seen a script for the third movie in the franchise. "I haven't seen the script but I've heard rumblings, but I haven't seen anything," Midler said. "But I think if they're gonna [make it], they oughta, because time is not just marching,...
- 7/12/2024
- by Daniel Pacheco
- MovieWeb
Bette Midler is pushing Disney to accelerate the production of Hocus Pocus 3. The upcoming movie is the follow-up to the 2022 sequel, which was released on Disney's streaming platform.
Despite the official announcement of the third installment in June 2022, Midler revealed on the QVC+ talk show Busy This Week that she has yet to see a script. The actor emphasized the urgency, noting that neither she nor her co-stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, are getting any younger.
Related Hannah Waddingham Addresses Potential Hocus Pocus 3 Return
Ted Lassos Hannah Waddingham shares her reaction to Hocus Pocus fans interest in her possible return as Mother Witch in the upcoming installment.
"I havent seen the script, but Ive heard rumblings," she said. "I think if theyre gonna do it, they ought to hurry because time is not just marching; it's barreling to the finish line. Get us while were still breathing,...
Despite the official announcement of the third installment in June 2022, Midler revealed on the QVC+ talk show Busy This Week that she has yet to see a script. The actor emphasized the urgency, noting that neither she nor her co-stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, are getting any younger.
Related Hannah Waddingham Addresses Potential Hocus Pocus 3 Return
Ted Lassos Hannah Waddingham shares her reaction to Hocus Pocus fans interest in her possible return as Mother Witch in the upcoming installment.
"I havent seen the script, but Ive heard rumblings," she said. "I think if theyre gonna do it, they ought to hurry because time is not just marching; it's barreling to the finish line. Get us while were still breathing,...
- 7/11/2024
- by Frank Yemi
- CBR
At the end of Eyes Wide Shut, Dr. Bill Harford and his wife Alice come together in that most normative of spaces: an Fao Schwarz toy store. As they watch their daughter look at potential presents, Bill feebly tries to explain his sexual sojourn through the city we just watched, one prompted by Alice’s confession of lust for a random sailor. Upon the completion of Bill’s story, Alice declares, “There is something we need to do as soon as possible.” What’s that, her husband and the audience asks? Fuck.”
The camera holds on her face for a beat or two and then cuts to black. End of movie.
Between Nicole Kidman’s percussive line delivery, Tom Cruise’s bewildered expression, and the sudden cut to credits, Alice’s statement feels definitive. Yet, like every other part of Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s final film, the word is both precise and beguiling,...
The camera holds on her face for a beat or two and then cuts to black. End of movie.
Between Nicole Kidman’s percussive line delivery, Tom Cruise’s bewildered expression, and the sudden cut to credits, Alice’s statement feels definitive. Yet, like every other part of Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s final film, the word is both precise and beguiling,...
- 7/9/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Briarcliff Entertainment wrapped and has set a 2025 wide theatrical release on Nickels, a life affirming drama directed by Spencer King (The Wilderness), and starring Rob Riggle, Aaron Holliday, Bitsie Tulloch, Rebecca Gayheart, Vinessa Shaw with Odessa A’zion and Tom Arnold. Tim Tuchrello wrote the script.
Briarcliff CEO Tom Ortenberg green lit the film, which has been shooting in and around Los Angeles. Riggle stars as Tom Monroe, a successful entrepreneur and family man who tragically lost his older brother in a motorcycle accident as a teenager. Some 30 years later, another serious bike accident involving his neighbor’s son, Mitch Diller(Holliday) sets in motion a series of events that have Tom wondering if his brother has perhaps returned to his life. Tulloch plays the wife who tries to be supportive.
Ortenberg produced with Danielle Goodman Strong, Andrew Ortenberg and Jordan Dykstra. Executive Producers include Tuchrello, Russell Geyser and Clay Pecorin of Rainmaker Films,...
Briarcliff CEO Tom Ortenberg green lit the film, which has been shooting in and around Los Angeles. Riggle stars as Tom Monroe, a successful entrepreneur and family man who tragically lost his older brother in a motorcycle accident as a teenager. Some 30 years later, another serious bike accident involving his neighbor’s son, Mitch Diller(Holliday) sets in motion a series of events that have Tom wondering if his brother has perhaps returned to his life. Tulloch plays the wife who tries to be supportive.
Ortenberg produced with Danielle Goodman Strong, Andrew Ortenberg and Jordan Dykstra. Executive Producers include Tuchrello, Russell Geyser and Clay Pecorin of Rainmaker Films,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Grace Caroline Currey has joined the cast of “The Breed,” and is set to lead the film. Directed by brothers Nathan and Griff Furst, the film is an “unconventional reimagining of the Wes Craven cult classic.” The brothers will produce together through their company, Curmudgeon Films.
The film centers around Currey’s character Violet, “a rebel icon and badass on a mission to search for abandoned dogs on a remote island which leads to complete adrenaline-fueled terror.”
Currey most recently starred in Lionsgate’s adventure thriller, “Fall,” directed by Scott Mann. The film follows two daredevil climbers, Becky (Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner), who decide to scale the B67 TV tower — an abandoned 2,000-foot communication tower that juts up in the middle of the California desert.
She also portrayed superhero Mary Marvel and Mary Bromfield in “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” alongside co-stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer,...
The film centers around Currey’s character Violet, “a rebel icon and badass on a mission to search for abandoned dogs on a remote island which leads to complete adrenaline-fueled terror.”
Currey most recently starred in Lionsgate’s adventure thriller, “Fall,” directed by Scott Mann. The film follows two daredevil climbers, Becky (Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner), who decide to scale the B67 TV tower — an abandoned 2,000-foot communication tower that juts up in the middle of the California desert.
She also portrayed superhero Mary Marvel and Mary Bromfield in “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” alongside co-stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier today, we took a look back the Wes Craven-directed 2005 thriller Red Eye… so we figured, why not follow that up by taking a look at a remake of a Craven horror film that was released the year after Red Eye reached theatres? The movie we’re taking about is the 2006 version of The Hills Have Eyes (watch it Here), a remake of Craven’s 1977 classic. It’s time for this one to be revisited, and you can hear all about it in the embed above.
While the original film was written and directed by Craven, Alexandre Aja directed the remake from a screenplay he wrote with Grégory Levasseur. Here’s the synopsis: Bob Carter and his wife Ethel, along with five other members of the family, are heading for San Diego with their camper van. An accident strands them in the desert and while two of the men go for help,...
While the original film was written and directed by Craven, Alexandre Aja directed the remake from a screenplay he wrote with Grégory Levasseur. Here’s the synopsis: Bob Carter and his wife Ethel, along with five other members of the family, are heading for San Diego with their camper van. An accident strands them in the desert and while two of the men go for help,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Hocus Pocus 2 cut a Max cameo, along with cameos from Jay and Ice, to trim down the script and focus on characters with a reason to be in the story. Many viewers were disappointed that Max, Dani, and Allison didn't return in Hocus Pocus 2, as the sequel went in a different direction and reinvented the story in modern-day Salem. With the confirmation of Hocus Pocus 3, the original characters can make an appearance, as both Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz have expressed interest in returning to the universe.
Hocus Pocus 2 screenwriter explains why one key cameo was cut from the sequel. After 1993’s Halloween hit Hocus Pocus was released three decades ago, the Sanderson Sisters returned to Salem, Massachusetts, to again create witchery chaos in Hocus Pocus 2. Although the original three witches returned and were portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, the...
Hocus Pocus 2 screenwriter explains why one key cameo was cut from the sequel. After 1993’s Halloween hit Hocus Pocus was released three decades ago, the Sanderson Sisters returned to Salem, Massachusetts, to again create witchery chaos in Hocus Pocus 2. Although the original three witches returned and were portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, the...
- 11/2/2023
- by Hannah Gearan
- ScreenRant
Disney executives initially disliked Bette Midler's animated performance in Hocus Pocus and were hesitant to cast her as Winnie. Midler was determined to play Winnie in a campy and outrageous manner, despite the studio's reservations. Eventually, the executives accepted Midler's portrayal, and the film gained popularity over the years as a cult classic.
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega revealed in a recent interview that Disney executives hated Bette Midler’s animated performance and were hesitant to cast her for the role of Winnie (via Et Weekly). On Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, three children and a cat must survive the night after accidentally summoning three witches, the Sanderson sisters. Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Sean Murray, and Doug Jones star in the film. Ortega explained that studio executives thought Midler’s performance was too outrageous and animated for the role of Winnie. However,...
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega revealed in a recent interview that Disney executives hated Bette Midler’s animated performance and were hesitant to cast her for the role of Winnie (via Et Weekly). On Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, three children and a cat must survive the night after accidentally summoning three witches, the Sanderson sisters. Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Sean Murray, and Doug Jones star in the film. Ortega explained that studio executives thought Midler’s performance was too outrageous and animated for the role of Winnie. However,...
- 10/30/2023
- by Mariah Starks
- MovieWeb
The original heroes of Hocus Pocus reunited in Salem to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary, and the actors had a great time. The actors never expected the movie to become such a phenomenon and are amazed by its enduring popularity with the fans. While the original trio of kids didn't appear in Hocus Pocus 2, Vinessa Shaw is open to returning for a potential third installment, even in a small cameo role.
The heroic trio of kids from the original film might have been absent in Hocus Pocus 2, but actors Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw and Thora Birch all reunited in Salem, and with the voice of Thackery Binx (Jason Marsden). The stars of director Kenny Ortega’s Hocus Pocus (1993) converged on It's Just a Buncha Halloween!!! event last weekend. And Shaw couldn’t have been more pleased with her time there. Shaw said (per Bloody Disgusting):
“I had the best time.
The heroic trio of kids from the original film might have been absent in Hocus Pocus 2, but actors Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw and Thora Birch all reunited in Salem, and with the voice of Thackery Binx (Jason Marsden). The stars of director Kenny Ortega’s Hocus Pocus (1993) converged on It's Just a Buncha Halloween!!! event last weekend. And Shaw couldn’t have been more pleased with her time there. Shaw said (per Bloody Disgusting):
“I had the best time.
- 10/27/2023
- by Steven Thrash
- MovieWeb
The kids from Hocus Pocus reunited after 30 years for an event in Salem, Massachusetts, in honor of the movie's anniversary. The event, called "It's Just a Buncha Halloween," included a costume party, drag show, raffle, and more. Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden reunited as part of the event.
The kids from Hocus Pocus have reunited 30 years later. The 1993 cult classic followed a group of kids in Salem on Halloween night squaring off against the Sanderson sisters, a trio of resurrected witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Those kids included new transplant Max (Omri Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch), Max's love interest Allison (Vinessa Shaw), and Thackery Binx, a teenager trapped in the body of a cat (voiced by Jason Marsden).
Per Bloody Disgusting, in honor of the Hocus Pocus 30th anniversary, Salem, Massachusetts held an event called It’s Just a Buncha Halloween.
The kids from Hocus Pocus have reunited 30 years later. The 1993 cult classic followed a group of kids in Salem on Halloween night squaring off against the Sanderson sisters, a trio of resurrected witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Those kids included new transplant Max (Omri Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch), Max's love interest Allison (Vinessa Shaw), and Thackery Binx, a teenager trapped in the body of a cat (voiced by Jason Marsden).
Per Bloody Disgusting, in honor of the Hocus Pocus 30th anniversary, Salem, Massachusetts held an event called It’s Just a Buncha Halloween.
- 10/26/2023
- by Brennan Klein
- ScreenRant
Max Dennison, Dani Dennison, Allison Watts, and Thackery Binx made a triumphant return to Salem last weekend, but it wasn’t the Sanderson Sisters who brought them together in the historic Massachusetts town this time. Actors Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden commemorated the Hocus Pocus 30th anniversary with an celebration dubbed It’s Just a Buncha Halloween.
“It exceeded my expectations!” exclaimed Marsden of the festivities, which consisted of a costume party, a meet and greet, and a tour of the filming locations. “Not to present false modesty, I understand how popular this project is, but I never expected the amount of people to flock to the party and to wait out in the rain for hours on end just to say hello to us. What made it all worthwhile was the energy by the local Salemites. It really, really enhanced the experience for us.”
“I had the best time,...
“It exceeded my expectations!” exclaimed Marsden of the festivities, which consisted of a costume party, a meet and greet, and a tour of the filming locations. “Not to present false modesty, I understand how popular this project is, but I never expected the amount of people to flock to the party and to wait out in the rain for hours on end just to say hello to us. What made it all worthwhile was the energy by the local Salemites. It really, really enhanced the experience for us.”
“I had the best time,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
It's Halloween, and what's the spooky season without a little "Hocus Pocus," my sweet children? The beloved Disney movie may have been a box office flop when it debuted in theaters back in the summer of 1993. But today, it's a seasonal favorite that many consider one of the greatest Halloween movies of all time. Just earlier this month, the movie re-entered the box office charts in the #10 spot, thanks to 30th anniversary screenings at theaters across the country. The love even spawned a long-anticipated sequel, and though it doesn't quite measure up to the original, there may be another one in the works at Disney.
In the meantime, for those who want more of the Sanderson Sisters stirring up trouble, Lego has you covered. Earlier this year, the building brick company released a Lego version of the creepy Sanderson Sisters' cottage, inspired by a fanmade Lego Ideas creation that was...
In the meantime, for those who want more of the Sanderson Sisters stirring up trouble, Lego has you covered. Earlier this year, the building brick company released a Lego version of the creepy Sanderson Sisters' cottage, inspired by a fanmade Lego Ideas creation that was...
- 10/23/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
It’s been 30 years since Winifred Sanderson and her sisters put a spell on fans, and “Hocus Pocus” remains a Halloween classic. So, what are the witchy women up to these days? What about the kids they tormented? Well, at least when it comes to the latter, they aren’t kids anymore.
In fact, you can catch most of them at fan conventions across the country when they aren’t on-screen. Vinessa Shaw, Omri Katz, Thora Birch and Jason Marsden have reunited more than a few times at events in the last few years, as “Hocus Pocus” found its cult following later in its life cycle.
As for the Sanderson sisters, well, they’re obviously still hard at work in Hollywood too. In fact, they just reunited last year for “Hocus Pocus 2” on Disney+.
You can see what the ‘Hocus Pocus” cast looks like now in the photos below.
In fact, you can catch most of them at fan conventions across the country when they aren’t on-screen. Vinessa Shaw, Omri Katz, Thora Birch and Jason Marsden have reunited more than a few times at events in the last few years, as “Hocus Pocus” found its cult following later in its life cycle.
As for the Sanderson sisters, well, they’re obviously still hard at work in Hollywood too. In fact, they just reunited last year for “Hocus Pocus 2” on Disney+.
You can see what the ‘Hocus Pocus” cast looks like now in the photos below.
- 10/21/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Hocus Pocus 3 has the chance to explore an intriguing twist involving Allison's character, potentially revealing that she has always been a witch. The new movie could benefit from incorporating more original characters from the original Hocus Pocus cast, adding to the nostalgia factor and excitement for fans. By blending old and new characters, Hocus Pocus 3 can create a thrilling storyline and build upon the mystery surrounding the fates of the beloved original characters.
Hocus Pocus 3 has the opportunity to feature an Allison twist considered after the release of 1993's Hocus Pocus. Vinessa Shaw played Allison Watts in Kenny Ortega's horror-comedy that ended up becoming the ultimate Halloween cult classic. Despite being a vital character in the original movie centered on the Sanderson Sisters, Shaw did not return as part of Hocus Pocus 2's cast. Considering the franchise is just as popular as ever, Disney has...
Hocus Pocus 3 has the opportunity to feature an Allison twist considered after the release of 1993's Hocus Pocus. Vinessa Shaw played Allison Watts in Kenny Ortega's horror-comedy that ended up becoming the ultimate Halloween cult classic. Despite being a vital character in the original movie centered on the Sanderson Sisters, Shaw did not return as part of Hocus Pocus 2's cast. Considering the franchise is just as popular as ever, Disney has...
- 10/21/2023
- by Kara Hedash
- ScreenRant
Director Kenny Ortega was not approached to direct Hocus Pocus 2, but he remains supportive, particularly of the original cast. Ortega has yet to watch the sequel, but plans to do so this Halloween. The absence of the original protagonists in Hocus Pocus 2 was a creative choice, but Ortega is open to future conversations about the franchise.
Hocus Pocus’ director Kenny Ortega wasn’t invited back to the party. Despite the enormous part Ortega’s film plays when it comes to celebrating Halloween each year, he wasn’t asked to return and helm the 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. Ortega said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
"No, they did not approach me to direct it, which was disappointing, but, of course, in the end, I was very supportive, wanting for Bette, Kathy, and Sarah to have another crack at it. You let go of things, you surrender, you move on,...
Hocus Pocus’ director Kenny Ortega wasn’t invited back to the party. Despite the enormous part Ortega’s film plays when it comes to celebrating Halloween each year, he wasn’t asked to return and helm the 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. Ortega said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
"No, they did not approach me to direct it, which was disappointing, but, of course, in the end, I was very supportive, wanting for Bette, Kathy, and Sarah to have another crack at it. You let go of things, you surrender, you move on,...
- 10/20/2023
- by Steven Thrash
- MovieWeb
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega explains a deleted scene where a Sanderson sister tries to kidnap a child, adding a darker twist to the comedy. The scene was cut for time, but would have fit tonally with the rest of the film and added a balance between the darker side and comedic moments. While the scene could have affected the urgency of the plot, it showcased the impulsive nature of the character and remained faithful to the spooky but fun reputation of Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega reveals a deleted scene where one of the Sanderson sisters attempts to kidnap a child. The 1993 Disney fantasy comedy starred Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches from the 1600s who are revived in the modern world. While a mixed reception and box office underperformance could have led to Hocus Pocus becoming lost to time,...
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega reveals a deleted scene where one of the Sanderson sisters attempts to kidnap a child. The 1993 Disney fantasy comedy starred Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as a trio of witches from the 1600s who are revived in the modern world. While a mixed reception and box office underperformance could have led to Hocus Pocus becoming lost to time,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Nathan Graham-Lowery
- ScreenRant
Director Kenny Ortega reveals that one of his favorite deleted scenes from Hocus Pocus involved Mary Sanderson stealing a child from a grocery store's shopping cart. Ortega praises the improvisational skills of Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker, but acknowledges that not all of their improv could be included in the final film due to time constraints. Kenny Ortega had conversations about a potential spin-off that centered around the character of Allison, played by Vinessa Shaw. Unfortunately, it never materialized.
Despite the Sanderson sisters’ attempts to suck the souls out of Salem’s children, plenty of Hocus Pocus’ magic made the film’s final cut back in 1993. However, director Kenny Ortega reveals that one of his favorite deleted scenes featured the witchy Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) stealing a young child from a grocery store’s shopping cart. Ortega said in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly:
"There...
Despite the Sanderson sisters’ attempts to suck the souls out of Salem’s children, plenty of Hocus Pocus’ magic made the film’s final cut back in 1993. However, director Kenny Ortega reveals that one of his favorite deleted scenes featured the witchy Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) stealing a young child from a grocery store’s shopping cart. Ortega said in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly:
"There...
- 10/18/2023
- by Steven Thrash
- MovieWeb
The original director of Hocus Pocus, Kenny Ortega, revealed that he always saw potential for a spin-off focused on Allison and her potential witchy powers. Hocus Pocus 3 has been discussed as a possibility, with a post-credits scene in Hocus Pocus 2 hinting at the continuation of the story. Any new sequel would need to be developed quickly to include the original cast, as stars like Bette Midler are unlikely to wait another 30 years to reprise their roles.
The arrival of Hocus Pocus 2 last year revived the comedy-horror after three decades, and with it brought a new wave of fans to the spooky franchise. As the Sanderson sisters arose again, with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker returning to their roles, fans began to reminisce about the characters who did not return for the sequel, which included Vinessa Shaw’s Allison and Omri Katz’s Max.
Recently...
The arrival of Hocus Pocus 2 last year revived the comedy-horror after three decades, and with it brought a new wave of fans to the spooky franchise. As the Sanderson sisters arose again, with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker returning to their roles, fans began to reminisce about the characters who did not return for the sequel, which included Vinessa Shaw’s Allison and Omri Katz’s Max.
Recently...
- 10/17/2023
- by Anthony Lund
- MovieWeb
Director Kenny Ortega hints at the possibility of Allison being a witch, expressing that he felt there was a little witch in the character throughout Hocus Pocus. While it is not confirmed that Allison is a witch in the Hocus Pocus canon, her fascination with witches and the supernatural raises the theory. The potential for an Allison-based spinoff series was discussed but never materialized, leaving the question of her witch status unanswered, yet open to future exploration.
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega addresses a theory about one of the movie’s key characters. The core of Hocus Pocus is the Sanderson sisters, three devious witches who come back to life after being executed during the Salem Witch Trials. The supernatural movie also includes human characters who interact with these witches, such as Allison (Vinessa Shaw), who was the love interest of protagonist Max Dennison (Omri Katz). Given Allison's extensive knowledge about witchcraft,...
Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega addresses a theory about one of the movie’s key characters. The core of Hocus Pocus is the Sanderson sisters, three devious witches who come back to life after being executed during the Salem Witch Trials. The supernatural movie also includes human characters who interact with these witches, such as Allison (Vinessa Shaw), who was the love interest of protagonist Max Dennison (Omri Katz). Given Allison's extensive knowledge about witchcraft,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Hannah Gearan
- ScreenRant
Director Kenny Ortega recently discussed the original Hocus Pocus movie, and he directly addressed the fan theory that Vinessa Shaw's character in the film, Allison, was actually a witch.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ortega revealed that Shaw's performance in Hocus Pocus leaned heavily into witch territory and even inspired him to pitch a spinoff project at Disney. Ortega maintained there was no explicit intent on his part to have Shaw portray Allison the way she did, as the issue was never addressed during production. The filmmaker, however, felt that the script subtly hinted at Allison having powers, and he recalled picking up on a hint of sorcery in her performance. "I did feel the whole time that there was a little witch there. I even thought there was potential for a spinoff that was about that, and I had conversations about that many years later at the Disney Channel,...
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ortega revealed that Shaw's performance in Hocus Pocus leaned heavily into witch territory and even inspired him to pitch a spinoff project at Disney. Ortega maintained there was no explicit intent on his part to have Shaw portray Allison the way she did, as the issue was never addressed during production. The filmmaker, however, felt that the script subtly hinted at Allison having powers, and he recalled picking up on a hint of sorcery in her performance. "I did feel the whole time that there was a little witch there. I even thought there was potential for a spinoff that was about that, and I had conversations about that many years later at the Disney Channel,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Nnamdi Ezekwe
- CBR
As one door opens, another one closes, and although Hulu will be adding plenty of titles to keep you busy through October, once the month wraps up, the streamer will be eliminating over 100 series and movies from the platform.
If you’re planning on doing your Halloween binge-watching via Huluween, don’t expect to extend your holiday: many of the horror titles Hulu will be adding for October will be removed from the platform on October 31. All the more reason to celebrate Halloween all month long.
Check out The Streamable’s can’t-miss list of what’s leaving and cross them off your watchlist by the end of the month!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in October 2023? “Evil Dead” | Tuesday, Oct. 31
What’s lost in camp is made up for in horror and gore in 2013’s entry into the “Evil Dead” franchise.
If you’re planning on doing your Halloween binge-watching via Huluween, don’t expect to extend your holiday: many of the horror titles Hulu will be adding for October will be removed from the platform on October 31. All the more reason to celebrate Halloween all month long.
Check out The Streamable’s can’t-miss list of what’s leaving and cross them off your watchlist by the end of the month!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in October 2023? “Evil Dead” | Tuesday, Oct. 31
What’s lost in camp is made up for in horror and gore in 2013’s entry into the “Evil Dead” franchise.
- 9/29/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Don’t believe anything you read. Hocus Pocus is a damn good movie. From its opening frame, the 1993 film contains all the magic and wonder you could want from a gateway horror movie – earning its place next to other ‘90s essentials like Halloweentown. It’s got a talking black cat, spooky spellcasting, a zombie, and three children-eating witches – oh my! Released in the height of summer (July 12), the Kenny Ortega-directed feature hasn’t lost its allure. In fact, its legacy is as strong as ever. It’s still an extraordinarily fun picture 30 years later.
Hocus Pocus endures because of nostalgia. In the era of TV reboots, remakes, and requels, millennials yearn for their childhood and a simpler time. There’s a reason we got a completely unnecessary sequel last fall. But more importantly, Hocus Pocus defines an entire generation of horror fans. For many, it was their very first spooky movie.
Hocus Pocus endures because of nostalgia. In the era of TV reboots, remakes, and requels, millennials yearn for their childhood and a simpler time. There’s a reason we got a completely unnecessary sequel last fall. But more importantly, Hocus Pocus defines an entire generation of horror fans. For many, it was their very first spooky movie.
- 8/17/2023
- by Bee Delores
- bloody-disgusting.com
Hocus Pocus 2's costume department enlisted the services of a real-life witch, according to the fantasy-comedy's lead costume designer Salvador Pérez Jr.
Pérez revealed that an actual witch helped design the Sanderson sisters' outfits in an interview with Variety. "One of my costumers happened to be a witch, so she was able to talk to me about the details and their meanings," he said. "I want[ed] things on the costume that are positive." Pérez also confirmed that he had conversations with original Hocus Pocus costume designer Mary E. Vogt about how she approached the Sanderson siblings' witchy attire before revamping the coven's wardrobe for the sequel.
Related: Hocus Pocus' Sanderson Sisters' Cottage Gets An Elaborate Lego Set
The costumes Pérez and his team fabricated for Hocus Pocus 2 seem to have done the trick, as the belated follow-up film racked up record viewership numbers when it debuted on Disney+...
Pérez revealed that an actual witch helped design the Sanderson sisters' outfits in an interview with Variety. "One of my costumers happened to be a witch, so she was able to talk to me about the details and their meanings," he said. "I want[ed] things on the costume that are positive." Pérez also confirmed that he had conversations with original Hocus Pocus costume designer Mary E. Vogt about how she approached the Sanderson siblings' witchy attire before revamping the coven's wardrobe for the sequel.
Related: Hocus Pocus' Sanderson Sisters' Cottage Gets An Elaborate Lego Set
The costumes Pérez and his team fabricated for Hocus Pocus 2 seem to have done the trick, as the belated follow-up film racked up record viewership numbers when it debuted on Disney+...
- 8/9/2023
- by Leon Miller
- CBR
The Prime Video fantasy series Good Omens is back for yet another season. Originally meant to serve as a limited series, Good Omens sees David Tennant and Michael Sheen play the roles of Crowley and Azriaphale, a demon and angel, respectively, who reside on Earth as representatives of Heaven and Hell. It was a resounding hit on both BBC Two and Prime Video due in part to the utterly charismatic performances by both Tennant and Sheen.
But before Good Omens, before Jessica Jones, even before a beloved tenure on Doctor Who, David Tennant's first theatrical lead role was in a forgotten romantic dramedy from the late 1990s. Titled L.A. Without a Map, it would be Tennant's second ever film role following a bit part in 1996's Jude, with Tennant starring alongside other big names like Vincent Gallo, Vinessa Shaw, and even Johnny Depp. If you've never seen L.A. Without a Map before,...
But before Good Omens, before Jessica Jones, even before a beloved tenure on Doctor Who, David Tennant's first theatrical lead role was in a forgotten romantic dramedy from the late 1990s. Titled L.A. Without a Map, it would be Tennant's second ever film role following a bit part in 1996's Jude, with Tennant starring alongside other big names like Vincent Gallo, Vinessa Shaw, and even Johnny Depp. If you've never seen L.A. Without a Map before,...
- 8/6/2023
- by Sean Shuman
- MovieWeb
Sam Richardson addresses whether his surprise villain, Gilbert, will return for Hocus Pocus 3. Disney recently confirmed that a third movie in the franchise was in development after the success of Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022. The Disney+ release marked the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, which first premiered in 1993. While Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy returned as the iconic Sanderson sisters, as did Doug Jones' Billy Butcherson, Hocus Pocus 2 introduced a new cast of modern characters, among them including Gilbert, who proved to be an unlikely villain.
While speaking to TheWrap at the red carpet premiere of The Afterparty season 2, Richardson addressed the potential of his return in Hocus Pocus 3. Richardson didn't officially confirm Gilbert's return, which isn't surprising considering that the movie is still in very early development, though he did confirm he would like to return as his surprise sequel villain.
While speaking to TheWrap at the red carpet premiere of The Afterparty season 2, Richardson addressed the potential of his return in Hocus Pocus 3. Richardson didn't officially confirm Gilbert's return, which isn't surprising considering that the movie is still in very early development, though he did confirm he would like to return as his surprise sequel villain.
- 7/1/2023
- by Rachel Ulatowski
- ScreenRant
Exclusive: Luke Wilson (Horizon: An American Saga) and Greg Kinnear (The Present) are set to star in You Gotta Believe, a film based on the inspirational true story of Fort Worth, Texas’ 2002 Westside Little League team. Others on board for roles in the pic from Santa Rita Film Co. include Sarah Gadon (Ferrari), newcomer Michael Cash, Etienne Kellici (Horizon: An American Saga) and Molly Parker (Deadwood).
Directed by Ty Roberts, who previously worked with Wilson on the Great Depression football drama 12 Mighty Orphans, the film currently in production follows a team of Little Leaguers who dedicate their season to a player’s dying father and, in the process, defy all odds to make it to the Little League Baseball World Series championship in a game that became an ESPN classic. Wilson will play the role of the dying father, Bobby Ratliff, with Kinnear as Coach Jon Kelly.
The film...
Directed by Ty Roberts, who previously worked with Wilson on the Great Depression football drama 12 Mighty Orphans, the film currently in production follows a team of Little Leaguers who dedicate their season to a player’s dying father and, in the process, defy all odds to make it to the Little League Baseball World Series championship in a game that became an ESPN classic. Wilson will play the role of the dying father, Bobby Ratliff, with Kinnear as Coach Jon Kelly.
The film...
- 6/22/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
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