Kathy Najimy Talks ‘Hocus Pocus’ and Reese’s Halloween Council Judging (Exclusive)

Few Halloween traditions are as beloved as that annual screening of Hocus Pocus, and few characters are as gleefully unforgettable as Mary Sanderson, the sweet-sniffing, vacuum-riding, hex-happy sister played by Kathy Najimy.

Decades after the film cast its spell, Najimy is still bringing the Halloween magic — this time, as a member of the Reese’s Halloween Council alongside Christina Ricci, helping choose which street had the most spooky spirit!

Below, Kathy shares how the judging went, what impressed her most, and why Hocus Pocus keeps families coming back every October!

Had you and Christina Ricci met before joining the Council, or did you bond over judging duties?

Kathy Najimy: Christina and I actually have known each other for decades, so this was more of a very fun reunion. We both have this funny connection to Halloween because of the movies we’ve been lucky enough to be part of, so putting us together on the first-ever Reese’s Halloween Council just made sense. And give us some candy and the opportunity to judge Halloween decorations? We were in.

What criteria did you use to decide which street won? Decorations, creativity, scare factor, candy quality…

For me, it was really about participation. Great decorations are wonderful, and, obviously, I’m not going to argue with excellent candy, but I loved seeing a street where everyone seemed to be in on the fun. Halloween is one of those rare nights when an entire neighborhood can become something else together. The adults should be having just as much fun as the kids.

What impressed you most about the winning street?

It really felt like Halloween belonged to E. Dudley Avenue in Westfield. You could see that it wasn’t just one spectacular house doing all the work. There was this sense that the neighbors had collectively decided, “OK, we’re doing Halloween,” and everybody committed. That feeling of community was exactly what I was hoping we’d find.

Which Sanderson sister would be the toughest Halloween judge in your opinion?

Oh, Winnie. No question. Winnie [Bette Midler] would have a scorecard, several complaints about the scorecard, and then probably change all the rules halfway through judging. Mary would be much easier to impress and would base it all on smells.

Buena Vista Pictures/Andrew Cooper

Do you personally decorate your home for Halloween? If so, how would you describe your style?

When our daughter was little, we went all out. We used to throw something called the “Haunted Hallway,” where she and her friends would have to make their way through different themed rooms while our friends dressed up as clowns, witches, and ghouls and handed out candy and prizes. Honestly, I think the adults enjoyed it even more than the kids did. The kids just wanted the candy, especially Reese’s. So, my Halloween style has never exactly been “subtle.”

What’s the most unexpected thing you ever had to do on set while in character as Mary (flying, sniffing, vacuum cleaner antics)?

On the first movie, we really got to create our own characters with director Kenny Ortega. I have no idea why I decided Mary was part hound dog, but I just started leaning into it. I also have no idea why I decided to do the bottom lip to the side. It was funny at first, but four months into filming, I was afraid it was going to stick that way. When I tried to do the same lip for the sequel 29 years later, it hurt too much, so I switched sides. To explain it, we had Winnie slap Mary in the opening musical number, which knocked her lip over to the opposite corner. It’s a quick fix, but it’s in there!

Is there a blooper or off-camera moment from Hocus Pocus‘ set that still makes you laugh?

One blooper that’s hard to forget happened off-set during the Christmas break while we were filming Hocus Pocus 2. My friend had one of those inversion machines, and I stepped into it, flipped upside down, crumpled to the floor, and cracked two ribs. So if you look closely, the wincing I’m doing while flying is real!

Hocus Pocus has become a Halloween tradition for families everywhere. Why do you think it’s still so beloved decades later?

I think people are craving a little more magic and fun right now, and honestly, I am too. Hocus Pocus gives us permission to be a little silly and embrace the magic, and now it’s something parents get to share with their kids. That same spirit is what drew me to the Reese’s Halloween Council and its search for the Reese’s Trick-or-Treatiest Street in America— celebrating the streets and neighborhoods that go all-in to create that sense of fun, connection, and Halloween magic for their communities.

Do you have a favorite fan-made tribute, costume, or cosplay?

I love all the Marys. It’s still completely surreal to see someone dressed as a character you created more than 30 years ago. And people get every detail! The hair, the costume, the crooked mouth. I especially love when three friends or three generations of a family come together as the Sanderson sisters. That always gets me.

Buena Vista/courtesy Everett Collection

What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever worn, besides Mary?

Besides Mary, it has to be the giant bunny costume I wore to send myself to Bette Midler as a singing telegram backstage at one of her shows. That was years before I ever met Bette, and the costume was made by my good friend, the future Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. It wasn’t technically for Halloween, but it was not subtle, and it’s definitely the costume I’m proudest of!

If you could cast one spell on the world, harmless and fun, what would it be?

I’d cast a spell that made everybody just a little kinder to each other. And since you said it has to be fun, maybe every time you do something kind for somebody, a Reese’s Pumpkin or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup will magically appear in your pocket… although, that could get messy.

Hocus Pocus, Disney+