Despite the fact that he was not cast as Max after his audition,Hocus Pocusstill has a connection to Leonardo DiCaprio’s 1997 movieTitanic. Hocus Pocusis one of the major Disney classics when it comes to Halloween movies, its memorable story and amazing cast continuing to entertain audiences more than 30 years later. Thoughnews on the potentialHocus Pocus 3has been minimal, it would not be surprising if the Sanderson Sisters were not quite done with Salem yet, asthe sequel,Hocus Pocus 2,was a streaming hit.
Even though it did not get the same amount of praise upon release, the originalHocus Pocushas still stood the test of time. Its popularity continues to allow audiences old and new to rediscoverHocus Pocus’dark momentsor hear the stories of its behind-the-scenes journey. One particular fun fact about the original is thatLeonardo DiCaprio auditioned for the role of Max Dennison, the teenage virgin who accidentally releases the witches, but did not end up getting the role, creating a new path for his career.
Leonardo DiCaprio Auditioned To Play Max In Hocus Pocus - Why He Didn’t Get The Role
DiCaprio’s Audition Was Praised By Hocus Pocus' Director Kenny Ortega
Leonardo DiCaprio, despite having a great conversation with the director ofHocus PocusKenny Ortega, did not end up getting the role of Max. Ortega discussedDiCaprio’s audition forHocus Pocusback in 2023, stating that during the casting process, he had a chance to sit with DiCaprio to discuss the film over a sandwich.Unfortunately, DiCaprio had already committed to two other projects,This Boy’s LifeandWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape, leaving no time for him to star in the Disney Halloween film.
10 Hocus Pocus Locations Fans Can Actually Visit In Massachusetts
The first Hocus Pocus was filmed on soundstages but many exterior shots were filmed in actual locations in Salem, places fans can go visit.
Ortega later cast Omri Katz for the role of Max, a decision he stated was a good one, as Katz had delivered what Ortega wanted for the character and his arc. Katz’s energy and deadpan humor did help make the film iconic, though DiCaprio’s performance would have likely been just as memorable had he been able to step in. Even with DiCaprio’s rejection of the role, he still ended up tied toHocus Pocusthrough the music for both that film and his 1997 hitTitanic.
Sarah’s Song In Hocus Pocus Was Written By Titanic’s Composer
James Horner Also Wrote “My Heart Will Go On”
The late James Horner,who wrote the popular song “My Heart Will Go On”, also assisted inHocus Pocus’soundtrack, connecting the film toDiCaprio’s billion-dollar movieTitanic.Horner was originally booked to write the soundtrack forHocus Pocus,composing the music for Sarah’s song “Come Little Children” alongside of Brock Walsh who wrote the lyrics. However,Horner was called away on a family emergency, allowing John Debney to take over the projectand write a majority of the film’s soundtrack. Debney would ultimately return to the franchise years later to write the music forHocus Pocus 2.
Though they are in very different films, Horner’s unique gravitas and strong composition can be found in the two songs, easily amplifying the drama and tension of both narratives.
Horner, meanwhile, composed the soundtrack forTitanic,receiving several Oscars, including the one for Best Original Song for “My Heart Will Go On"alongside of writer Will Jennings. Though they are in very different films, Horner’s unique gravitas and strong composition can be found in the two songs, easily amplifying the drama and tension of both narratives. This not only strengthens the connection betweenTitanicandHocus Pocusoutside of DiCaprio’s missed opportunity, but adds to the individual magic of this Disney classic to audiences for the Halloween season.
Hocus Pocus
Cast
Hocus Pocus tells the story of the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches who are inadvertently resurrected by a teenage boy on Halloween. When the witches threaten to take over the town of Salem, Massachusetts, it’s up to Max, sister Dani, and friend Alison to stop them with the help of Thackery Binx, one of the Sandersons' victims trapped in the immortal body of black cat.
