Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Transformed Time: How Omri Katz Went from Hocus Pocus Heartthrob to Cannabis Mogul

More than three decades after he was skyrocketed into the spotlight by starring in the beloved Halloween movie Hocus Pocus, Omri Katz is now unrecognizable

The Unrecognizable Heartthrob of Hocus Pocus: What Happened to Omri Katz?

It's been over three decades since Omri Katz catapulted into fame with his iconic role as Max Dennison in the beloved Disney movie Hocus Pocus. The 1993 cult classic has become a staple of spooky season, and its devoted fan base continues to rewatch it every year when fall rolls around. But what has happened to the once-sensational teen heartthrob who captured viewers' hearts with his charming personality and handsome looks? Let's take a journey down memory lane to find out.

Omri Katz was just 16 years old when he landed the role of Max, the boy who accidentally unleashes the three mischievous Sanderson sisters upon Salem, Massachusetts. The film was a massive hit, catapulting Omri into overnight fame and making him an instant heartthrob. With his charming smile, dashing good looks, and sarcastic wit, it's no wonder he became a favorite among fans.

The actor became a sensation practically overnight after he played Max Dennison in the 1993 Disney flick, the boy who accidentally unleashes the three Sanderson sisters upon Salem

Fast-forward to today, and the 48-year-old actor has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the long, luscious locks of his youth; now he sports a shorter, more rugged look with a scruffy beard. But it's not just his hair that's changed – Omri has seemingly traded in his acting career for a new passion: cannabis.

According to sources, Omri now operates his own cannabis company and regularly attends conventions alongside other Hocus Pocus stars. He also monetizes his fame by selling personalized videos to fans on Cameo for the whopping sum of $60. And if that's not enough, he's recently been spotted with a new partner – none other than Michele Watters.

But what about Omri's acting career? It seems that after landing his last role in 2002, he took an extended break from the spotlight. While we're not sure why he chose to hang up his acting boots, it's clear that he's moved on to greener pastures – literally.

But now, 32 years after it premiered, Omri looks pretty different than he did when he captured viewers' hearts as the sarcastic teen in Hocus Pocus

Omri has been open about his experiences working on Hocus Pocus, and in a candid interview with TheScholarlyNote.com (formerly Dailymail.com) in 2022, he revealed some surprising secrets. It turns out that during filming, Omri was experimenting with cannabis and, quite frankly, got a little too high.

"I'll tell you what I do remember," he confessed to the publication. "I was mis-performing and not hitting my keys or marks." In fact, he even recalled a specific incident where director Kenny Ortega had to practically grab him by the shirt and ask if he was high – to which Omri sheepishly replied, "No... but of course I was!"

Despite his candid admission, it's clear that the experience didn't hold back Omri's performance. In fact, many fans have praised his portrayal of Max as one of the most memorable aspects of the film.

Now 48, his long, brown locks are a lot shorter, and he's got a lot more facial hair

As for why he wasn't involved in the 2022 sequel Hocus Pocus 2 – which saw the return of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the mischievous Sanderson sisters – Omri remained tight-lipped. But one thing is certain: he's still got a soft spot for his iconic role in Hocus Pocus.

"It's been an incredible journey," he said, reflecting on his time working on the film. "I'm so grateful to have been a part of it."

And who knows? Maybe Omri will surprise us all and make a comeback – cannabis-free this time around, we hope!

His last role was in 2002, and after that, he left the spotlight. Now, it appears that he operates his own cannabis company and often attends conventions with other Hocus Pocus stars

He also sells personalized videos to fans on Cameo for $60; he's currently dating a woman named Michele Watters