This year marks three decades since the release of Hocus Pocus and while some of the original cast recently returned to reprise their roles in last year’s sequel, one of them has been leading a very different life since filming the 1993 movie.
Omri Katz saw himself starring alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars after being cast in one of the leading roles of the Halloween cult classic.
He was just 16 when he played the main protagonist Max Dennison, a teenage boy with a hatred for Halloween who accidentally resurrects the Sanderson Sisters.
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The film has stood the test of time and is still a Halloween favourite but like many child stars, Omri’s acting career failed to take off despite Hocus Pocus’ success.
(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
He went on to secure roles in a few TV series but ended up retiring from acting back in 2002 after starring in the short film Journey Into Night.
But in 2020, the now 47-year-old left fans shocked after revealing his career had taken an unusual turn, announcing he’d become a cannabis entrepreneur.
The former child star now owns The Mary Danksters, who sell cannabis-themed merch including t-shirts and caps.
(Image: Freeform via Getty Images)
He admitted he’d been a member of the cannabis community for nearly two decades as he announced the opening of the merch store on Instagram.
“Lots of people wondering what I’ve been up to. Being a member of the cannabis community for almost 20 years now and jumping thru hoops of fire to get here I’m proud to announce our online apparel store will be opening up soon,” he wrote.
On their social media, The Mary Danksters also describe themselves as “Exotic Craft Cannabis Cultivators”.
(Image: themarydanksters/Instagram)
An about section on their website adds: “We, The Mary Danksters, are ambassadors of the cannabis culture, with deep roots within the traditional cannabis community. We represent positivity, herb and unity.
“Come with us on this journey and smoke weed everyday.”
Omri has previously opened up about his love of weed, even revealing he was high while on the set of Hocus Pocus.
He told Entertainment Weekly last year: “That was at an age where I started experimenting with cannabis. Let’s just say, some of those scenes, I was having a good old time.”
(Image: dankster_omz/Instagram)
He also revealed he was disappointed to not be invited back to star in Hocus Pocus 2 — which saw Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy return to their iconic roles as the witch sisters while Omri and his co-stars Vinessa Shaw and Jason Marsden missed out on roles.
“I would have loved to be involved. I feel bad for the original fan base saying we aren’t because I’m sure they wanted to see us reprise our roles,” he added.
While he’s not acted in decades, Hocus Pocus has remained a big part of Omri’s life and he regularly makes appearances at conventions to meet fans of the film.
(Image: dankster_omz/Instagram)
He’s not ruled out a return to Hollywood either – earlier this month it was confirmed a Hocus Pocus 3 is in the works and the former star said he’d love to get involved.
“I’m excited for the new film! Glad to see this franchise gain its popularity 30 years later,” he told Entertainment Weekly.
He added: “I would return if Disney approached me. It would be an honour to return, hopefully with some of my fellow castmates, and make a fun addition to the franchise!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
