This week marks the return of the Sanderson Sisters on Disney+ in the highly anticipated sequel Hocus Pocus 2. It has been previously announced that Thora Birch, who played Dani Dennison, 8, who was kidnapped by the child-eating witches along with her brother Max (Omri Katz) and his girlfriend Allison, won’t be returning for the sequel (Vinessa Shaw). The actress and filmmaker were unable to return to Salem, Massachusetts this time due to schedule issues, but she conveyed her regret to Entertainment Tonight in an exclusive interview. In an open letter sent to the cast and crew of the upcoming sequel film, The Gabby Petito Story, Birch explained why she would be unable to participate in the project. She expressed her regret to ET, saying, “I was just a bit sad I wasn’t able to make it.” “If I hadn’t been otherwise occupied, I would have made every effort to join the girls on-site during filming. I’m curious to see how they put it to use. That they’re trying something new and different has me quite optimistic.” Neither Katz nor Shaw, her youthful co-stars at the time, will be present during the filming.
Birch’s original script had her playing a more significant part. Disney’s original pitch for the picture envisioned the actress reprising her role as Dani as an adult, leveraging her experience with the Sanderson sisters to aid a fresh group of high school students in their struggle against them. The narrative of the sequel will be similar to the first film as a form of respect to it, but there will be enough changes to establish it as a distinct piece of work 29 years later. Despite the absence of young actors, fans will recognise Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson and Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters. Sam Richardson, Hannah Waddingham, and Tony Hale’s legacy cast additions include the tragic Belissa Escobedo, Whitney Peak, and Lilia Buckingham.
Critics have hailed Anne Fletcher and Jean D’Angelo’s return to Salem as a worthy successor on par with the first film, and audience reviews have been excellent thus far. Despite the fact that she won’t be able to portray Dani again, Birch is looking forward to celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary with her co-stars. She said to ET, “The movie Hocus Pocus turned 20 this year, and I still haven’t gotten over the trauma. This one will be much more out there, I’m sure of it.” On September 30th, audiences will be able to see Hocus Pocus 2, which will transport them back to Salem.