“Hocus Pocus” Stars Reunite in Salem to Recreate an Iconic Scene 33 Years Later

**Hocus Pocus Stars Reunite in Salem for Iconic Scene Recreation**

On October 2, a nostalgic gathering took place in Salem, Massachusetts, as stars of the beloved 1993 film *Hocus Pocus* reunited for a special event celebrating the movie and the city’s 400th anniversary. Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Larry Bagby, and Tobias Jelinek revisited the iconic Burial Hill, where they recreated a memorable scene from the original film that has resonated with fans over the decades.

The reunion served as a highlight for the cast and attendees. Katz, who portrayed the character Max, was joined by Jelinek and Bagby, who played the bullies Ernie “Ice” and Jay. The trio engaged the crowd as they replayed the scene in which Ice and Jay confront Max and steal his shoes, a moment that has become emblematic of the film’s comedic charm.

A video from the gathering juxtaposed clips of the original film with the cast’s present-day portrayal, evoking a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. Captured on social media, a caption read: “Back to Burial Hill and guess who ran into??!!,” inviting excitement from their audience. Jelinek playfully asked the crowd, “Did we get most of the lines?” during the reenactment.

In an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, Jelinek shared insights into the significance of the event, highlighting its connection to Salem’s rich history. Founded in 1626 and infamous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem attracts numerous visitors during the Halloween season. “In celebration of Salem’s 400th anniversary, we flew into Boston and carpooled out to Burial Hill to recreate our favourite cemetery scene. It was such a surreal experience,” he remarked.

The presence of enthusiastic fans added an extra layer of joy to the occasion. Jelinek described it as “stepping back to 1993,” noting that viewers cheered and recited lines along with them, reinforcing the film’s lasting impact. “It was a special reminder of how much people love this film,” he expressed, reflecting on the warmth and nostalgia shared among the participants and the audience.

Joining in the festivities was Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison in the original film. Together with Katz, Bagby, and Jelinek, they fully embraced the spirit of Halloween as they posted about their experiences online. The message proclaimed their excitement for more adventures in Salem, making it clear that the weekend was just beginning.

*Hocus Pocus* follows the tale of Salem teenager Max, who unwittingly resurrects the Sanderson sisters on Halloween night, leading to chaos that draws in his younger sister Dani and his crush Allison. The memorable performances from powerhouse actresses Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy brought the characters of Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson to life, cementing the film’s status as a cult favourite.

Although *Hocus Pocus* did not achieve immediate success upon its release, it gradually garnered a loyal fanbase through repeat showings on cable networks and later on streaming platforms. Former executive producer Adam Shankman has remarked on the film’s journey to becoming a cherished Halloween tradition.

The recent resurgence of interest culminated in the release of *Hocus Pocus 2*, which premiered in 2022, bringing back the original Sanderson sisters alongside a new youthful cast. The sequel introduced new characters portrayed by Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo, who battled the resurrected witches in contemporary Salem.

While Katz, Shaw, and Thora Birch did not reprise their roles in the sequel, Katz acknowledged at a recent panel that the fanbase had expressed interest in seeing the return of original characters. He stated, “I think the fan base really wanted to see something with us. It’s difficult to navigate the decisions studios make regarding character appearances.”

As *Hocus Pocus* continues to resonate with new generations, the possibility of a third movie is reportedly being explored, paving the way for further adventures in the Sanderson universe. The reunion in Salem serves as a testament to the film’s enduring legacy and the community that has rallied around it, ensuring its place in Halloween lore for years to come.