Despite the fact that he was not cast as Max after his audition, Hocus Pocus 3 has been minimal, it would not be surprising if the Sanderson Sisters were not quite done with Salem yet, as the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, was a streaming hit.

Even though it did not get the same amount of praise upon release, the original Hocus Pocus has still stood the test of time. Its popularity continues to allow audiences old and new to rediscover Hocus Pocus' dark moments or hear the stories of its behind-the-scenes journey. One particular fun fact about the original is that Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned for the role of Max Dennison, the teenage virgin who accidentally releases the witches, but did not end up getting the role, creating 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 a great conversation with the director of Hocus Pocus Kenny Ortega, did not end up getting the role of Max. Ortega discussed Hocus Pocus back in 2023, stating that during the casting process, he had a chance to sit 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 Grape, leaving no time for him to star in the Disney Halloween film.

Ortega later cast Omri Katz for the role of Max, a decision he stated was a good one, as Katz had delivered what Ortega wanted for the character and his arc. Katz's energy and deadpan humor did help make the film iconic, though DiCaprio's performance would have likely been just as memorable had he been able to step in. Even with DiCaprio's rejection of the role, he still ended up tied to Hocus Pocus through the music for both that film and his 1997 hit Titanic.

Sarah's Song In Hocus Pocus Was Written By Titanic's 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 assisted in Hocus Pocus' soundtrack, connecting the film to Titanic. Horner was originally booked to write the soundtrack for Hocus Pocus, composing the music for Sarah's song "Come Little Children" alongside of Brock Walsh who wrote the lyrics. However, Horner was called away on a family emergency, allowing John Debney to take over the project and write a majority of the film's soundtrack. Debney would ultimately return to the franchise years later to write the music for Hocus Pocus 2.

Though they are in very different films, Horner's unique gravitas and strong composition can be found in the two songs, easily amplifying the drama and tension of both narratives.

Horner, meanwhile, composed the soundtrack for Titanic, receiving several Oscars, including the one for Best Original Song for "My Heart Will Go On" alongside of writer Will Jennings. Though they are in very different films, Horner's unique gravitas and strong composition can be found in the two 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 to audiences for the Halloween season.