The Disney+ sequel Hocus Pocus 2 will bring back the Sanderson Sisters in a major way by having all three original main stars reprising their roles, and while there will be some of their original Hocus Pocus co-stars joining them for this new adventure, Thora Birch will not be among them. It was previously reported that Birch would not be reprising her role as Dani in Hocus Pocus 2, though there were plans for the character to be featured prominently. Whether this was due to scheduling conflicts or any other reason, Birch reportedly had to turn down the offer.
Fans were disappointed to learn that Dani wouldn't be coming back in Hocus Pocus 2. For her part, it has also been disappointing for Birch. In a new interview with ComicBook.com, the former child star explains that this was not because she wasn't interested in revisiting that character for a new Hocus Pocus film. Birch doesn't go into specific details, but says how everyone wanted to make it happen, from her team to the Hocus Pocus 2 filmmakers. While it wasn't meant to be, Birch jokes that she would have preferred to play Bette Midler's role instead, anyway.
"Everybody tried so hard. Everybody tried so hard to make that happen and it just didn't, but everybody tried so hard. That was everybody's intention. But you know what? At the end of the day, just between you and I, I'd probably rather play Winifred in the future. I'd probably rather play Winnie."
Reportedly, Birch would have been featured in a supporting role with Dani playing a big part in the story. She would have returned as a legacy character to work with the new teen cast, which includes Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo. Of course, the film brings back original lead stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. It's been confirmed Doug Jones will also return as Billy Butcherson and it's likely there will be some other surprises, but perhaps not an appearance from Dani.
Hocus Pocus 2 Has Been a Long Time Coming
Anne Fletcher directs Hocus Pocus 2 using a screenplay by Jen D'Angelo. It picks up almost three decades after the events of the original Hocus Pocus as the Sanderson Sisters return to present-day Salem, leading to a new group of youths tasked with stopping them. The film comes after many years of fans calling for a follow-up film as Hocus Pocus has enjoyed annual viewings on television every holiday season, seeming to grow more popular with each passing year.
Hocus Pocus 2 is set to hit Disney+ on Halloween 2022.