A first look at Hocus Pocus 2 featured several familiar faces from the original cast but one notable actor, Jason Marsden, who voiced Thackery Binx in his cursed black cat form, will not be returning to Salem for the sequel.

As Entertainment Weekly first reported, Marsden is not expected to make an appearance in the sequel to the 1993 cult-classic film, according to a source close to the performer. Disney has not yet commented on the voice actor's absence from the cast or what this will mean for the franchise's talking feline.

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In the original Hocus Pocus film, Thackery Binx fell victim to the Sanderson Sisters' wrath in the 17th century and was cursed to live for eternity as a black cat. But after a group of heroic teens defeated the witches on Halloween night, his curse was lifted, and Sean Murray portrayed the human Binx as he reunited with his sister in the afterlife. However, there is speculation Binx could return after fans spotted a similar black cat in the film's first teaser trailer.

Marsden is not the only cast member absent from Hocus Pocus 2's lineup. Thora Birch, who played Dani Dennison in the original film, did not reprise her role after scheduling conflicts involving Netflix's Wednesday series prevented her from participating in the Hocus Pocus sequel. The initial script included Birch in a supporting role with Dani helping a new group of teenagers in modern-day Salem after the Sanderson Sisters are resurrected again.

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As such, Disney's sequel will see the return of Halloween's most nefarious witches, Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy). Doug Jones joins them in his original role as Winifred's ex-lover Billy Butcherson. Hocus Pocus 2 will also introduce fans to a new ensemble of characters. RuPaul's Drag Race stars Kornbread "The Snack" Jeté, Ginger Minj and Kahmora Hall guest star as drag versions of the Sanderson Sisters. Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham and Veep alums Tony Hale and Sam Richardson have signed on to appear in the film as well.

Hocus Pocus 2 returns 29 years after a virgin first lit the black flame candle to resurrect the Sanderson Sisters for another night of mischief. Three high-school students (played by Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham and Belissa Escobedo) must band together to stop the witches on their vengeful warpath and send them back to the grave before dawn on All Hallow's Eve. Anne Fletcher directed the sequel, replacing the original Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega.

Hocus Pocus 2 premieres on Sept. 30 exclusively on Disney+.

Source: Entertainment Weekly