Despite the fact that he was not cast as Max after his audition, Hocus Pocus even has a connection to the 1997 Leonardo DiCaprio film Titanic. Hocus Pocus is one of the top Disney classics when it comes to Halloween movies, its memorable story and incredible cast continue to entertain audiences more than 30 years later. Although news about the potential Hocus Pocus 3 has been minimal, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Sanderson Sisters hadn’t already broken up with Salem, as the sequence, Hocus Pocus 2, was a streaming success.
Even though it didn’t receive the same amount of praise upon release, the original Hocus Pocus It has still stood the test of time. Its popularity continues to allow audiences new and old to rediscover Hocus Pocus’ dark moments or hear the stories of their behind-the-scenes journey. A particular curiosity about the original is that Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned for the role of Max Dennison, the teenage virgin who accidentally frees the witchesbut he ended up not getting the role, opening a new path for his career.
Leonardo DiCaprio Auditioned to Play Max in Hocus Pocus – Why He Didn’t Get the Role
DiCaprio’s audition was praised by Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega
Leonardo DiCaprio, despite having had a great conversation with the director of Hocus Pocus Kenny Ortega ended up not getting the role of Max. Ortega discussed DiCaprio’s audition for Hocus Pocus in 2023, stating that during the casting process, he had the opportunity to sit down with DiCaprio to discuss the film over a sandwich. Unfortunately, DiCaprio had already committed to two other projects This boy’s life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grapesleaving no time for him to star in the Disney Halloween film.
Ortega later cast Omri Katz in the role of Maxa decision he stated was a good one, as Katz delivered what Ortega wanted for the character and his arc. Katz’s energy and deadpan humor helped make the film iconic, though DiCaprio’s performance likely would have been just as memorable had he been able to intervene. Even though DiCaprio rejected the role, he still ended up linked to Hocus Pocus through the music of this film and its 1997 hit Titanic.
Sarah’s song in Hocus Pocus was written by the Titanic composer
James Horner also wrote “My Heart Will Go On”
The late James Horner, who wrote the popular song “My Heart Will Go On”, also helped in Hocus Pocus’ soundtrack, connecting the film to DiCaprio’s billion-dollar film Titanic. Horner was originally hired to write the soundtrack for Hocus Pocus, composing Sarah’s song “Come Little Children” alongside Brock Walsh, who wrote the lyrics. However, Horner was called in due to a family emergency, allowing John Debney to take over the project and writing most of the film’s soundtrack. Debney would end up returning to the franchise years later to write the music for Hocus Pocus 2.
Although they are in very different films, Horner’s unique gravitas and strong songwriting can be found in both songs, easily amplifying the drama and tension of both narratives.
Horner, in turn, composed the soundtrack for Titanic, receiving several Oscars, including Best Original Song for “My Heart Will Go On” alongside writer Will Jennings. Although they are in very different films, Horner’s unique gravitas and strong songwriting can be found in both songs, easily amplifying the drama and tension of both narratives. This not only strengthens the connection between Titanic and Hocus Pocus outside of DiCaprio’s missed opportunity, but adds to the individual magic of this Disney classic for audiences this Halloween season.