Thora Birch Eyes Return as Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus 3: A Witchy Comeback for Disney+ Fans
In a spellbinding update that’s got Halloween enthusiasts buzzing, Thora Birch has voiced her keen interest in reprising her iconic role as Dani Dennison for the highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 3 on Disney+. The original 1993 cult classic, which launched Birch into stardom as the spunky younger sister dragged into a midnight adventure with the Sanderson sisters, continues to enchant new generations. With Disney+ fast-tracking the sequel to the 2022 hit Hocus Pocus 2, Birch’s enthusiasm signals a potential bridge between the franchise’s past and future, promising a nostalgic reunion that could redefine the witchy saga.
Birch, now 42, shared her thoughts during a recent interview on the Hollywood Reporter podcast, where she reflected on the enduring magic of the original film. “I would love to come back as Dani,” she said, her voice laced with excitement. “It’s such a special part of my life, and seeing how much it means to fans makes it all the more appealing.” This isn’t just idle chatter; with Hocus Pocus 2 drawing over 2.7 billion minutes of viewership on Disney+ in its first week alone, according to Nielsen data, the pressure is on for the third installment to capture that same lightning-in-a-bottle charm—now with a dash of original cast nostalgia.
Birch’s Journey from Child Star to Hocus Pocus Icon
Thora Birch‘s path to Hocus Pocus stardom began in the early 1990s, a time when child actors were navigating a Hollywood landscape ripe with both opportunity and scrutiny. Born in Los Angeles to parents who were both performers, Birch made her screen debut at age four in commercials before landing her breakthrough role in 1991’s Paradise opposite Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. But it was her portrayal of Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus that cemented her as a household name. As the wide-eyed, Black Flame Candle-igniting kid sister to Max (Omri Katz), Dani’s feisty spirit and memorable lines like “You guys are dead!” captured the film’s playful horror essence.
The movie, directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the comically inept witches Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson, bombed at the box office upon release, grossing just $39 million against a $28 million budget. Yet, its afterlife on home video and television turned it into a perennial Halloween favorite. Birch, who was only 11 during filming, has often credited the role with shaping her early career. In a 2015 retrospective for Entertainment Weekly, she described the set as “pure chaos and joy,” recounting how Midler’s larger-than-life performance inspired her own dramatic flair.
Post-Hocus Pocus, Birch’s career flourished with roles in critically acclaimed films like American Beauty (1999), earning her a BAFTA nomination, and Ghost World (2001), which showcased her transition to more mature, indie fare. However, she stepped back from acting in the mid-2000s to focus on family and education, earning a degree in natural resources from UCLA. Her sporadic returns, including voice work in Darkest Hour (2018) and a role in The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), demonstrate a selective approach to projects. Now, with Hocus Pocus 3 in development, Birch’s openness to returning as Dani Dennison feels like a full-circle moment, blending her child-star legacy with her adult perspective.
Insiders close to the production, speaking anonymously to Variety, suggest that Disney+ is actively courting original cast members to boost authenticity. While Bette Midler has been vocal about her reluctance due to age concerns—”I’m too old for this witchy business,” she quipped in a 2023 AARP interview—Birch’s younger age and fresh energy make her a prime candidate. The sequel could explore Dani as an adult, perhaps a mother passing down the Halloween lore to a new generation, adding layers to the character’s evolution.
Disney+’s Hocus Pocus Revival: From Flop to Streaming Phenomenon
The Hocus Pocus franchise’s resurrection on Disney+ is a masterclass in how streaming platforms can revive dormant IPs. After decades of fan campaigns—petitions on Change.org garnered over 100,000 signatures by 2015—Disney greenlit Hocus Pocus 2 in 2020, tapping into the nostalgia wave fueled by the pandemic. Directed by Anne Fletcher and written by Jen D’Angelo, the sequel introduced a new trio of high schoolers (Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo) who accidentally resurrect the Sandersons once more. Absent were the original leads, but Midler, Parker, and Najimy reprised their roles in a meta, time-bending plot that honored the first film’s spirit.
Hocus Pocus 2 premiered on September 30, 2022, and shattered records, becoming Disney+’s most-watched original movie at launch. Parrot Analytics reported a demand rating 15 times the average for TV movies, with social media mentions spiking 300% in the week following release. The film’s success wasn’t just numbers; it reignited cultural conversations about female empowerment in comedy-horror, with the witches’ sisterly dynamic praised by critics like Rolling Stone‘s David Fear for its “campy yet heartfelt” vibe.
Now, Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in the works, announced by Disney at the 2023 D23 Expo. Producer Jordan A. Horowitz, known for The Politician, is attached, with early scripts emphasizing legacy characters. Thora Birch’s interest in returning as Dani Dennison aligns perfectly with this vision. In a panel discussion, Horowitz teased, “We’re looking to weave in threads from the originals without alienating new fans—expect surprises.” Disney+ data shows Hocus Pocus content streams over 500 million minutes annually during October, underscoring the franchise’s seasonal dominance.
From a business standpoint, the sequel’s potential is enormous. The global Halloween market, valued at $10.6 billion in 2023 per Statista, thrives on such IPs. Merchandise from Hocus Pocus 2—including Funko Pops and Spirit Halloween costumes—generated an estimated $50 million in sales. Incorporating Birch could amplify this, drawing in millennials who grew up with Dani’s antics and introducing her to Gen Z via TikTok recreations, where #HocusPocus has amassed 5 billion views.
Fan Frenzy Ignites Over Birch’s Potential Dani Dennison Reunion
News of Thora Birch’s willingness to return as Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus 3 has unleashed a torrent of fan excitement across social media. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #BringBackDani trended within hours of her interview, amassing over 250,000 posts. Fans reminisced about iconic scenes, like Dani’s zombie dance at the Halloween party, with one viral thread from user @90sKidNostalgia garnering 50,000 likes: “Thora as adult Dani mentoring new witches? Disney, make it happen!”
Reddit’s r/HocusPocus subreddit, boasting 120,000 members, exploded with speculation. A top post titled “Birch Back as Dani—Plot Predictions?” received 8,000 upvotes, with users theorizing storylines involving Dani’s family facing a new threat from the Book of Spells. Comments highlighted Birch’s growth: “She’s gone from scared kid to indie queen; imagine her sass against the Sandersons now,” wrote u/WitchyWoman92. Instagram reels recreating Dani’s lines with modern twists have surpassed 10 million views, blending nostalgia with fresh appeal.
At fan conventions like New York Comic Con 2023, cosplayers dressed as Dani flocked to panels, chanting for Birch’s return. A survey by Fandom conducted post-Hocus Pocus 2 revealed 78% of fans want original cast crossovers, with Birch topping the wishlist after the witches. This grassroots support isn’t lost on Disney+; marketing execs have noted in internal memos (leaked to The Hollywood Reporter) that fan-driven content boosts engagement by 40%.
Beyond social media, celebrities have chimed in. Sarah Jessica Parker, reprising Sarah Sanderson, posted on Instagram: “Thora, we’d love to have you! More sisterly magic awaits.” Even non-cast stars like Jenna Ortega, fresh off Wednesday, tweeted support: “Dani was my Halloween crush—bring her back!” This celebrity endorsement amplifies the buzz, positioning Hocus Pocus 3 as a cultural event.
Plot Teases and Production Hurdles for Hocus Pocus 3
As Hocus Pocus 3 takes shape on Disney+, whispers of plot details are emerging, with Thora Birch’s potential return as Dani Dennison at the forefront. Early concept art, shared via Disney insiders with Deadline, hints at a story set 30 years after the original, where the now-adult Dennison siblings confront a digital-age resurrection of the witches—perhaps through a viral app mimicking the Black Flame Candle. Birch could portray a protective aunt or mom, infusing the narrative with emotional depth absent in the lighter sequels.
Production challenges abound, however. Scheduling conflicts with the original cast remain a hurdle; Omri Katz, who played Max, has expressed interest but is committed to other projects. Budget-wise, Hocus Pocus 2 cost $28 million and recouped via streaming metrics, but a third film with legacy stars might push to $40 million, per industry estimates from Box Office Mojo. Director Kenny Ortega, 73, has indicated he’d consult but not helm, opening the door for fresh talent like Ryan Murphy, a Disney+ collaborator.
Script development is underway, with D’Angelo returning to pen the screenplay. Sources say the tone will balance scares and laughs, incorporating modern themes like social media witch hunts and climate-inspired spells. Birch’s involvement could add authenticity; in her interview, she suggested Dani evolve into a “wary but wise” figure, drawing from her real-life experiences. Quotes from co-creator Mick Garris emphasize inclusivity: “We’re expanding the coven to reflect today’s world.”
Filming is eyed for summer 2024 in Los Angeles, with a fall 2025 release to capitalize on Halloween. Disney+ aims for IMAX enhancements, building on Hocus Pocus 2‘s success. If Birch joins, it could spark crossover events, like a Hocus Pocus marathon on the platform.
Why Thora Birch’s Return Could Enchant a New Generation
Thora Birch’s potential reprise as Dani Dennison in Hocus Pocus 3 isn’t just fan service—it’s a strategic pivot for Disney+ to sustain the franchise’s momentum. With streaming competition fierce—Netflix’s The Fall of the House of Usher drew 1.5 billion minutes in 2023—the addition of an original star like Birch could differentiate the sequel. Analysts at Ampere Analysis predict Hocus Pocus 3 could hit 3 billion viewing minutes, driven by cross-generational appeal.
Birch’s post-Hocus Pocus career adds gravitas; her roles in thoughtful dramas contrast Dani’s whimsy, allowing for character growth that resonates with adult fans. Imagine Dani debunking witch myths in a TikTok era or teaching resilience against bullying—timely messages wrapped in spooky fun. This evolution mirrors successful revivals like Stranger Things, where legacy elements fuel longevity.
Looking ahead, Hocus Pocus 3 could spawn spin-offs, such as animated shorts featuring young Dani or AR filters for Disney+ users. Merchandise expansions, including Birch-endorsed apparel, are likely. As Horowitz noted at D23, “The magic isn’t over—it’s just beginning.” With Birch on board, the sequel promises to cast a spell that bridges eras, ensuring the Sanderson sisters’ antics endure for another 30 Halloweens.
In the broader entertainment landscape, this move underscores Disney+’s commitment to IP revival. With 194 million subscribers as of Q3 2023, the platform’s focus on family-friendly horror positions Hocus Pocus as a cornerstone. Birch’s enthusiasm signals more announcements soon, keeping fans under the witches’ thrall until the premiere.
