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
The Lottery (1989 film) the New York City backlot set and it took a crew of over 100 people to produce. It was the first film to be completely filmed at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park. It was used to demonstrate general filmmaking, the use of exterior sets and soundstage sets, special effects and stunts. The Lottery (1989 film) The Lottery is a 1989 American short film starring Bette Midler and directed by Garry Marshall which was shown at the then Disney-MGM Studios in line for the first versions of the Studio Backlot Tour. Bette Midler stars as a music teacher giving a singing