10 Things You Didn't Know About Hocus Pocus
It's just a bunch of Hocus Pocus!
It's not long until Halloween and most of us will be bringing out our favourite horror movies for the day (or if you're like me, you've started early). The chances are Hocus Pocus will be one of films you'll watch within the next couples of weeks and it's not hard to guess why.
The 1993 comedy fantasy has become one of the essential movies to watch around the spooky season. It's the perfect viewing because it's a great combination of humour and horror, as well as a terrific cast. It reminds us of all of the joys of Halloween, from the beautiful autumnal backdrops to the enjoyment of dressing up for costume parties and of course, trick or treating.
The main characters - The Sanderson Sisters - are horrible, child-eating witches with great power. They may be the villains of the story but they're also the stars of the show because they're hilarious, eccentric and theatrical together. If the producers didn't write the adversaries as comical, Hocus Pocus just wouldn't be as beloved.
Plenty of audiences have seen Hocus Pocus, but not as many know about what went on behind the scenes. Here's some things you didn't know about the cult classic.
10. Real Moths Flew From Doug Jones' Mouth
Hocus Pocus was the first Disney movie to use digital visual effects. There is plenty of CGI and special effects in order the achieve the 'magic' of the film.
But sometimes, the real thing was used, and in some very unfortunate places. Doug Jones, who played Billy Butcherson, held real moths in his mouth to fly out. Concealed inside was a dental contraption, which kept the insects alive whilst also not letting them harm Jones' tongue. The actor wore a mouth rig - a latex pocket attached to dentures that closed off his throat, with a very tiny air pocket at the end of it.
He's not the only one. Sarah Jessica Parker ate a real spider for her role as Sarah Sanderson, and we certainly don't envy her for committing so hard to the character.