“Hocus Pocus”, Disney’s 1993 bewitching comedy, is once again making magic. Hot on the heels of a new sequel novel (“Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel”), horror convention Spooky Empire will host whimsical witch Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) among its mega-media guests for its end of October spooktacular event in Orlando.
Najimy is not the only Disney-related reveal. Those attending the Central Florida event will soon learn that the truth is out there. Cast from the soon-to-be Disney-owned “The X-Files” will be on hand for an out of this world weekend.
“Hocus Pocus” middle witch sister Mary Sanderson is not Kathy Najimy’s only work for the Walt Disney Company. Other roles include Sister Mary Patrick (“Sister Act”/ ”Sister Act 2”), Aunt Taqqiq (“Brother Bear 2”), Minster of Summer (“Tinkerbell”), Mary (“WALL-E”), and the villainous Queen Grimhilde (“Descendants”). Fans of the long-gone Disney dark attraction, “Extra TERROResterial Alien Encounter” might see a resemblance to Dr. Femus. On the spooky side, Kathy Najimy appeared as motel maid Tabby in “Bride of Chucky.”
With Disney’s upcoming acquisition of Fox franchises, more mouse magic makes it way to Orlando as Spooky Empire welcomes the cast of “The X-Files.” David Duchovny (Mulder) and Gillian Anderson (Scully) appear on Saturday (10/27) only, while Mitch Pileggi (Skinner) and William B. Davis (cigarette smoking man) greet guests all weekend.
Carl Weathers, while best known for his roles in three Rocky movies, is no stranger to Disney’s animated magic. His voice animated the character Combat Carl in “Toy Story of Terror.” Weathers also voiced Omintraxus Prime for the Disney XD series “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.”
Now in its 16th year, Spooky Empire is well admired as the south east’s largest horror convention. This family run, by fans-for fans show, haunts Orlando’s Caribe Royale all suite hotel this Halloween (October 26-28). Additional guests (announced so far, with more to be revealed) include Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson, Peter Criss of Kiss, Phil Anselmo (Pantara) and Soska sisters Jen & Sylvia (“American Mary,” “See No Evil 2”).
Tickets for Spooky Empire (including autograph and VIP packages), as well as information regarding, host hotel, tattoo festival, film festival, additional events and future media guest announcements can be found on their website.
Source and images: Spooky Empire, Pixar Wiki, Wikipedia, ITM archive
