How old was Sean Murray in Hocus Pocus? NCIS star didn’t reprise role in sequel

The sequel to the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus is officially here, and while he was absent from the latest film, some have wondered about how old Sean Murray was in the 1993 film.

With Halloween a month away, the sequel to the 90s spooky flick is here, which sees the Sanderson sisters adapt to the modern age.

While the sequel sees the return of Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker, some of the tale’s iconic OG characters have not returned, including Sean Murray’s character Thackery Binx.

Following the nostalgic release, some have looked back original as curiosity about the ages of the cast in the 90s film has sparked. In particular, many have wondered how old Sean Murray was in Hocus Pocus as he portrayed a cursed teen. Let’s take a look…

Sadly Sean Murray didn’t reprise Thackery in Hocus Pocus 2

Fans of the Halloween classic will know Sean Murray for his role as Thackery Binx, a 17th-century teenager that transformed into an immortal black cat after being cursed by the Sanderson sisters.

While he didn’t appear in the sequel, Murray has over the years previously hinted he would have been down to feature.

Chatting to Entertainment Tonight as he said he would be up for a brief appearance. He said: “If they would have me, I would do a cameo.”

Discussing Sanderson sisters actresses Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s then interest in a sequel in 2014, Murray told E! that if they wanted him to “be involved in some sort of way,” that he would probably have said “yes.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: Actor Sean Murray attends the Shane’s Inspiration’s 20th Anniversary Gala at Vibiana on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

How old was Sean Murray in Hocus Pocus?

Filming for the spooky film began the Halloween before its release. As per the film’s IMDb, the movie’s production kicked off on October 12, 1992, and continued until the following February.

Hocus Pocus was released in US cinemas later that summer in July 1993 and had fall releases in the UK in October.

Sean Murray was born November 15, 1977, meaning he would have been 14 years old when filming began and would have celebrated his 15th birthday during production. He would have also been 15 at the time of Hocus Pocus’ release in both the US and UK.

Murray previously noted his age during filming in a 2016 interview with Icon Vs Icon. While reflecting on new generations watching the classic, he said: “I was 14 when I made that, and I will get kids that are 11 or 12 years old and say “Hey! You are the Binx from Hocus Pocus.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: Sean Murray attends the Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG Party at Chateau Marmont on January 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The actor went on to become an NCIS staple

While Hocus Pocus remains a classic flick of the Halloween festivities to many, Murray has gone on to become a familiar face to TV audiences as part of NCIS as Timothy McGee.

The actor joined the cast in 2003 and had a few reoccurring appearances in the show’s first season before being asked back as a main cast member in the second instalment of the show.

As explained to the Australian morning talk show Studio 10 in 2020, after his initial appearance, Murray was asked back for a small sub-story for another episode. After that, his character began featuring more and more and the rest as they say is history.

Almost two decades on, the show is now in its 20th season, with Murray having portrayed McGee across more than 400 episodes and in spin off’s, including NCIS: New Orleans.