The cast member of HOCUS POCUS says the first film was originally much darker and scarier

Hocus Pocus is a classic Halloween movie released nearly 30 years ago and which has held its fan base, even producing a sequel so popular that it became an instant hit as Disney + ‘s most successful original film to date. The movies are fun and playful, making their restlessness scary enough, but not so much that they aren’t suitable for families with children of all ages.

However, that was almost not the case, as we now know that the original film’s script was actually much darker and scarier than what we’ve seen.

In a recent interview with EW, the members of the first film sat down to talk about the making Hocus Pocusand they remembered reading the first script. Vinessa Shawwho played Allison in the film explained:

“I remember reading an original draft that was a lot scarier, and it was the draft we auditioned with. When we started shooting, it became a fun version, a lot lighter. It had the woman. Three minions element in it, and all the choreography that was added lent itself to a much more comedic film that highlights the actresses’ strengths, “he says of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who return as the Sanderson sisters, three witches of the Puritan era, in the new sequel.

“I think that’s why the film is loved. Obviously, the witches and what they’re doing – sucking the lives of babies – is scary, but the fact that it’s shot in a comical way is palatable.”

He continued by recalling:

“It wasn’t them who fumbled and bumped into each other, it was simple. She was more like the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz; she had a darker quality, “I’ll get you, my beautiful.” They are a hat-trick and they can’t do anything without the other, which was stronger in the second draft. ”

Omri Katzwho played Max, Allison’s love interest, also remembers auditioning with a “scarier draft” of the film, saying:

“Once they got an idea of ​​who they wanted to act, I’m sure they also got their two cents and brought in a more comical, family-friendly, happier, not-so-sinister film. It was a different approach film. . I don’t remember many jokes or lines there. “

Then again, Katz also admitted that he was high during much of the filming of the film, so it’s possible that he’s not the best source of memories.

Hocus Pocus And Hocus Pocus 2 are available to stream on Disney +.