For those who don't enjoy gore and jump-scares in horror movies, Hocus Pocus is one of the most appealing films come Halloween time. While the 1993 film was an initial box office failure, it eventually became a classic, returning every year for Freeform's Halloween movie marathon throughout the month of October. The beloved film is even receiving a sequel on Disney+ sometime during the Halloween season after years of fans calling for a continuation.
Of course, the three Sanderson sisters stole the show, but it's hard to forget Omri Katz, who played teenager Max Dennison, a Los Angeles native who recently moved to Salem, Massachusetts. But what many people don't realize about this now-iconic part is that the role almost went pre-Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio.
While DiCaprio catapulted into immediate stardom after his role as Jack Dawson in James Cameron'sTitanic, he began his acting career in the late 1980s and briefly appeared on several TV shows, including Parenthood. DiCaprio also received his first of many Oscar nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in the underrated film What's Eating Gilbert Grape in 1993. But due to his involvement in What's Eating Gilbert Grape and another 1993 film, This Boy's Life, he was unable to accept the role of Max Dennison.
DiCaprio hadn't even auditioned yet for What's Eating Gilbert Grape when he was sent to the casting team of Hocus Pocus, but despite becoming unavailable, he still impressed director Kenny Ortega. Nevertheless, one may wonder why DiCaprio auditioned for a film he couldn't even sign on for, but, per several casting agents, he was likely sent to the Hocus Pocus team to inspire the search for the ideal actor to play Max. However, DiCaprio recalled in a 2014 interview with Variety that he was offered "more money than he could ever dream of" to star in the film and doesn't know where he "got the nerve" to turn down the part.
Since DiCaprio rejected the role, the part went to Omri Katz instead. But while Katz did a wonderful job embodying Max, fans of the film can't help but imagine what the film would have been like if DiCaprio had accepted the part. Because, with DiCaprio's excellent acting abilities, it's possible the film would not have been a flop, and a sequel could have come much sooner.