The Clever Costume Detail That Connects Hocus Pocus 2 To The Original Film
A viewing of "Hocus Pocus 2" is sure to prompt a wave of nostalgia for fans of the first movie, which has stood the test of time as a staple of the Halloween season. An encore from everyone's favorite trio of witches is just what the apothecary ordered. With a new group of characters, another fun musical number, and plenty of modern technology for the Sanderson sisters to contend with, the charm of the sequel definitely warrants a double feature this year.
The latest film includes a few blatant callbacks to its predecessor, like the adorable new cat that acts as a stand-in for Thackery Binx (Sean Murray) and an appearance from Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones). In particular, the costumes play a key role in helping the sequel match the tone of the first film. It's heartwarming to see Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) back in their witchy frocks, even if they are trying to unleash their wrath on Salem. An enormous amount of effort went into making sure the sequel's aesthetic stayed true to the magical spirit of "Hocus Pocus" (via Variety). However, there are plenty of small details you may have missed that pay homage to the original. Let's take a look at one of the subtle wardrobe choices that connects the protagonists from the 1993 film to the heroines of "Hocus Pocus 2."
Cassie's tie-dye shirt is a reference to Max's costume in Hocus Pocus
While "Hocus Pocus 2" features its own unique premise, the minds behind the film made sure to honor the original. This attention to detail went into every aspect of the narrative, but especially the costume design. Eagle-eyed fans might have noticed that a piece of Cassie Traske's (Lilia Buckingham) ensemble from the latest film resembles a piece of clothing Max wears (Omri Katz) in the first movie. When Max learns about the legend of the Sanderson sisters in class, he's seen sporting a multicolored tie-dye t-shirt. After Cassie's Halloween party gets busted in the sequel, she wears a two-toned tie-dye top for the remainder of the film.
"Hocus Pocus 2" costume designer Salvador Pérez Jr. confirmed on social media that the similarity is no coincidence (via IMDb). "Costume design is storytelling, we like to add little tidbits to show we are paying attention to the details," Pérez wrote to accompany side-by-side photos of Cassie and Max wearing their respective tie-dye shirts (via Instagram). Although they are different colors, both garments feature the same spiral pattern.
The costume department was certainly meticulous about incorporating nods to the first film. Even though we may never know what happened to Max, Dani (Thora Birch), and Allison (Vinessa Shaw) after that fateful Halloween night 29 years ago, it's nice to know that the people who made the sequel took the time to pay tribute to the original story.