“Hocus Pocus” Star Sean Murray Had His First ‘Panic Attack’ Watching Himself in the Movie 

‘Hocus Pocus’ Star Sean Murray Opens Up About His First ‘Panic Attack’ Watching Himself in the Movie

Sean Murray, best known for his role as Thackery Binx in the Halloween classic ‘Hocus Pocus,’ recently shared a candid revelation about his experience watching himself in the film. During an episode of The Patrick LabyorSheaux podcast, hosted by Patrick Labyorteaux, the actor disclosed that he had a ‘panic attack’ when he first saw the movie.

Reflecting on the moment he watched ‘Hocus Pocus’ for the first time, Murray recounted feeling overwhelmed by the experience. He described hiding in the back of a theater on opening night, watching himself on screen as Thackery Binx, the character cursed to live as an immortal cat by the Sanderson sisters in 1693. The intense emotions he felt during that viewing left a lasting impact on him.

The actor expressed that the ordeal was so distressing that it deterred him from watching himself on screen in the future. Murray admitted, “I remember watching myself on a giant screen and going, ‘Oh my god, I can’t handle this. I can’t handle this.'” This vulnerability and honesty about his reaction added a human touch to his persona as a performer.

In addition to sharing his personal struggle with watching ‘Hocus Pocus,’ Murray also reflected on the initial reception of the film when it was released in July 1993. He revealed that the movie did not perform well initially, with one of the lead actresses, Bette Midler, even remarking that it was a ‘bomb.’ Despite the lackluster start, the movie eventually gained popularity through rentals and VHS sales, becoming a cult favourite over time.

Murray noted the contrast between ‘Hocus Pocus’ and the success of ‘Free Willy,’ which opened the same weekend and became a sensation. However, he credited Disney’s marketing efforts for the resurgence of the film, making it a beloved choice for Halloween viewing among audiences. The actor acknowledged the rarity of family-friendly Halloween-themed movies, emphasising the enduring appeal of ‘Hocus Pocus’ for viewers of all ages.

Reflecting on his decision not to appear in the 2022 sequel of ‘Hocus Pocus,’ Murray explained that the focus was meant to remain on the three iconic witches portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. He also reminisced about how Leonardo DiCaprio, his co-star in ‘This Boy’s Life,’ was initially considered for a role in the film but opted for a different project, which eventually led to his first Oscar nomination.

Despite his initial anxiety about watching himself in ‘Hocus Pocus,’ Sean Murray’s candid revelations about his experience offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by actors when confronting their on-screen performances. His journey from experiencing a ‘panic attack’ to acknowledging the film’s eventual success serves as a testament to the enduring popularity and magic of this Halloween classic.