Hocus Pocus (1993 film) made to the script to make the film more comedic and made two of its young protagonists into teenagers; however, production was stalled several times until 1992, when Bette Midler expressed interest in the script and the project immediately went forward. Midler, who plays the central antagonist of the film (originally written for Cloris Leachman), is quoted as saying that "Hocus Pocus" "was the most fun I'd had in my career up to that point". Leonardo DiCaprio was originally offered the lead role of Max, but declined it in order to pursue "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". Principal photography began on
Bette Midler charm, wit and compelling protagonists of the original." Midler appeared on the Bravo TV show "My Life on the D-List" with Kathy Griffin in an episode that aired in June 2009. In December of the same year, she appeared in the "Royal Variety Performance", an annual British charity event attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Midler performed "In My Life" and "Wind Beneath My Wings" as the closing act. In 2010, Midler voiced the character Kitty Galore in the animated film "." The film was a success, grossing $112 million worldwide. In November 2010, Midler released "Memories of You", another compilation