Why Omri Katz Left Hollywood After Hocus Pocus

Why Did Hocus Pocus Star Omri Katz Step Away From Hollywood

The classic film “Hocus Pocus,” released in 1993, is a perennial favorite during the Halloween season, captivating audiences year after year. For many who grew up watching the movie, it holds a special place as one of the greatest Halloween films ever made. Central to the story are the Sanderson Sisters, portrayed by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who brought enchantment and mischief to the screen. However, it’s Omri Katz’s character, Max Dennison, who serves as the audience’s portal into this magical world. Max, a teenager new to Salem, inadvertently resurrects the Sandersons by lighting the Black Flame Candle and ultimately plays a key role in their downfall.

Despite “Hocus Pocus” becoming an iconic staple, many fans have wondered what became of Katz following his breakout role. After the film, he continued to pursue acting but primarily appeared in television shows and independent films. His last credited performance was in the 2002 short film “Journey Into Night.” So what led him to disappear from the Hollywood scene?

Katz shared insights about his departure from the industry during a discussion with his former co-star Justin Shenkarow. He revealed that his decision to leave came shortly after “Hocus Pocus.” The motivation behind this choice was a desire for new experiences outside the entertainment world. Katz noted, “I grew up in the industry, so that’s kind of all I knew. I wanted to explore more of life and find a sense of normalcy.”

His post-“Hocus Pocus” journey involved a unique adventure, including following the Grateful Dead for five years and taking up snowboarding and surfing. However, as time passed and his finances dwindled, Katz sought to return to acting. Unfortunately, his attempt led him to realize he was returning for the wrong reasons—primarily financial ones. This realization prompted him to take on a job outside of acting for the first time in his life.

Ultimately, Katz transitioned to hairdressing briefly before founding a cannabis company in 2002 called The Mary Danksters. This brand has continued to thrive, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the cannabis community. Katz’s experiences have shaped his perspective on fame and the industry, having felt a certain estrangement from fans who saw him more as a character than a person.

Though Katz opted to step back from Hollywood, he still cherishes his role in “Hocus Pocus.” He has participated in fan events and keeps in touch with co-stars from the film. Interestingly, when “Hocus Pocus 2” was released in 2022, Katz revealed he was not invited to reprise his role. He expressed confusion over the decision, suggesting that fans were hoping to see more of the original cast.

With discussions about a potential “Hocus Pocus 3” circulating at Disney, there could still be a chance for Katz to return as Max Dennison in the future, allowing fans to once again experience his character’s charm.