Summary
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.
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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, the movie gathered a loyal cult following through its home release and subsequent airings on television.
With Halloween drawing nearer, Ortega opened up to EW about a cut Sanderson sister gag that could have easily ranked among Hocus Pocus’ surprisingly darker moments. The director explained that, as the sisters made their way across contemporary Salem, Mary (Najimy) would notice a child in a shopping cart at a store and make some questionable decisions. Check out Ortega’s full explanation below:
“We honored the writing, and then we had a party, and some of that party had to be left behind because of the length and timing. There was a scene with Kathy in a grocery store, where there was a woman shopping with a cart, and she had her child in the cart. While the woman was shopping, she turned away from her cart for a moment, and Mary steals the cart because there’s a child in it. The woman turns around and her child is gone, and the woman goes chasing after Kathy, who’s trying to beat it with the child.”
Would Mary’s Kidnapping Scene Have Worked In Hocus Pocus’ Final Cut?
While their desire to kidnap children to steal their souls gives the Sanderson sisters some of Disney’ darker motives, Hocus Pocus also attempted to strike a balance through their more comedic moments, especially during their misadventures in the modern day. Due to their culture shock, slapstick dynamics, and catchy musical numbers, Hocus Pocus isn’t afraid to embrace its sillier potential. This balance between the darker side and the comedic moments saw Hocus Pocus become a seasonal favorite among families.
While the kidnapping scene was ultimately cut for time from Hocus Pocus, it leaves the question of how the movie could have been affected if it stayed in. Presumably, the sequence would have taken place during their pursuit of Max (Omri Katz), Dani (Thora Birch), and Allison (Vinessa Shaw). As such, while the scene adheres to the characters and tone of the movie, it could be argued it would take some urgency away from the situation by diverting the witches’ focus from getting their spellbook back.
Ortega’s reveal is a welcome glimpse at what could have been. Though the moment was cut to ensure Hocus Pocus had a more ideal runtime, it seems the moment did fit tonally with the rest of the film. While Mary’s actions themselves were dark, the character’s impulsiveness getting the better of her and the ensuing comedic potential could result in a good balance that could remain faithful to the spooky but fun reputation Hocus Pocus and its sequel have garnered since its release.
Source: EW