Thora Birch, known for her role as Dani Dennison in the classic Halloween film "Hocus Pocus," recently sparked excitement among fans as she expressed her willingness to reprise her iconic character in the upcoming "Hocus Pocus 3." The actress shared her thoughts during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, stating that she is open to the idea of returning to the beloved franchise.
Having portrayed the youngest member of the central Dennison family in the original 1993 film alongside her on-screen siblings, Thora Birch was only 11 years old when "Hocus Pocus" was released. Despite the initial disappointment at the box office, the film has since gained a significant following and has cemented its status as a Halloween classic.
Reflecting on the reception of the original film, Birch shared her initial disappointment at its lackluster performance, stating, "It was so devastating when it first came out." She further added, "We were all bummed because we loved making it. We were like, 'What, you don't like it?' and then ten years later they’re like ‘Oh my God, are you that girl from ‘Hocus Pocus.'"
The release of "Hocus Pocus 2" on Disney+ in 2022 brought back the central antagonists portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. However, the original Dennison family ensemble was notably absent from the sequel. Despite this, the sequel was a massive success for the streaming platform, accumulating a significant number of viewers during its opening weekend.
As speculation swirls about the potential return of the Dennison family in the upcoming third installment, Thora Birch's openness to reprising her role has sparked further excitement among fans. Bette Midler, who plays one of the Sanderson Sisters in the franchise, recently praised an early draft of the script for "Hocus Pocus 3," describing it as "brilliant."
In a recent public appearance, Thora Birch made a striking impression at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards in Bel Air, paying homage to her roots in "Hocus Pocus" with a Winnifred Sanderson-inspired outfit. The actor's willingness to embrace her past roles and explore new opportunities in the industry has captivated fans and industry insiders alike.
The resurgence of interest in the "Hocus Pocus" franchise, coupled with Thora Birch's openness to returning to the series, points towards an exciting future for the beloved Halloween-themed films. With the development of "Hocus Pocus 3" gaining momentum and key players expressing enthusiasm for the project, fans can look forward to more magical adventures in the bewitching world of Salem and its enchanting inhabitants.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the beloved franchise, the potential return of familiar faces such as Thora Birch's Dani Dennison adds a layer of nostalgia and anticipation to the upcoming film. With the legacy of "Hocus Pocus" continuing to resonate with audiences across generations, the prospect of a new installment promises to capture the essence of the original while embarking on fresh and enchanting journeys.
