Leonardo DiCaprio could have squared off against the Sanderson sisters inHocus Pocus. Today, the A-list Hollywood talent is currently starring in Martin Scorsese’sKillers of the Flower Moon, but back in 1993 director Kenny Ortega met with DiCaprio while casting the part of Max inHocus Pocus. Ortega thought DiCaprio “was just amazing,” but the filmmaker knew going in that he had no chance to land the up-and-coming actor. Ortega said in an interview withEntertainment Weekly:
“[My casting team] called me up and said, ‘We’re sending someone in, but you’re able to’t have him.’ They said, ‘We want you to know who he is. We want you to meet him. He’s agreed to come in to meet you, but he can’t do the role. He’s being offered a movie with De Niro and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.’
He came in, and he was just amazing — so extraordinary and unique — he came, and he was stressed. He said, ‘I feel bad that I’m here because I can’t do this, because I’m really focused on these other things.’ And I said, ‘Understandably.’ We shared a sandwich together. He was super cool. When he walked out, I called my casting agents and I said, ‘You’re murdering me, here.'”
In the end, the role of Max was portrayed by Omri Katz. And while Katz tangled with the Sanderson sisters inHocus Pocus, DiCaprio starred inThis Boy’s Lifewith Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin. Plus, DiCaprio appeared in the aforementionedWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grapewith Johnny Depp.
Here’s Why Leonardo DiCaprio Turned Down the Starring Role in Hocus Pocus
Before Omri Katz was cast as Max Dennison, Leonardo DiCaprio was offered the role, but he turned it down. Here’s why.
Leonardo DiCaprio Passed on Hocus Pocus
BeforeLeonardo DiCapriowon the Best Actor in a Leading Role Academy Award for his work inThe Revenant, the thespian rose to prominence guest starring on the television seriesGrowing Painsfrom 1991 until 1992. But even three decades ago,Hocus Pocusdirector Kenny Ortega knew that DiCaprio would one day be the king of the world. However, he was also quite happy with how things turned out, in terms of casting Max. Ortega said in the same interview with EW:
It was so clear to me that this guy was so special. But I have to say, when Omri [Katz] came in, there was something there that was just so perfect — and that I feel, to this day. He delivered all that I could’ve hoped for in that role. He was adorable.
In a 2014 interview, DiCaprio revealed that he could have made a small fortune had the actor chosen to play the part of Max inHocus Pocus.Instead, DiCaprio held out forWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape— a role he hadn’t even auditioned for yet. DiCaprio toldVariety:
[I was offered] more money than I ever dreamed of.
Obviously, DiCaprio’s decision led to an unprecedented acting career in which the A-lister has been nominated for seven Academy Awards across multiple categories. And his first Oscar nomination came courtesy of his performance inWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape(Best Supporting Actor).
