The Immortal Crush: 7 Shocking Facts About Sean Murray’s Time As Thackery Binx In ‘Hocus Pocus’
Sean Murray, the actor instantly recognizable to millions as Special Agent Timothy McGee on the long-running procedural drama NCIS, holds a fascinating secret in his past: he was a teenage heartthrob cursed by witches. Decades after the 1993 Disney classic Hocus Pocus first cast its spell, Murray's role as the heroic Thackery Binx continues to captivate new generations, making him one of the most enduring figures from the beloved Halloween movie. This deep dive, based on the latest interviews and career updates as of late 2025, uncovers the fresh details and surprising behind-the-scenes facts about his iconic, yet brief, appearance in Salem.
The journey from a 17th-century teen desperate to save his sister from the Sanderson Sisters to a high-earning, modern-day television star is a unique one. While his human screen time in Hocus Pocus was limited, the character of Thackery Binx—the immortal black cat—formed the emotional core of the film. Today, Murray’s dual legacy as both the 'ghost hottie' of a cult classic and a major television entity provides a unique look into a successful, decades-long Hollywood career.
Sean Murray: A Brief Biography and Career Profile
Sean Harland Murray is an American actor whose career spans over three decades, marked by two major, generation-defining roles. His early work set the stage for one of the most stable and lucrative careers in modern television.
- Full Name: Sean Harland Murray
- Born: November 15, 1977
- Age (as of late 2025): 48
- Birthplace: Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
- Spouse: Carrie James Murray (m. 2005)
- Children: Two (Caitlyn Melissa Murray and River James Murray)
- Family Connection: He is the stepbrother of actress Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars), whose father, Donald P. Bellisario, is the creator of both JAG and NCIS.
- Early Career Highlights: Hocus Pocus (1993), This Boy's Life (1993), JAG (1998-2001).
- Most Famous Role: Special Agent Timothy McGee on NCIS (2003–present).
The Curious Case of Thackery Binx: 7 Facts You Didn't Know
Sean Murray’s performance as Thackery Binx, the older brother of Emily Binx, is central to the film's lore. He is the first to confront the evil Sanderson Sisters—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah—and is subsequently cursed to live forever as a black cat. Despite the role being a brief flashback, the character's enduring popularity is immense. Here are the most recent and surprising facts about his time on set.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio Was the Original Choice for the Role
In a surprising revelation, Sean Murray confirmed in recent interviews that he was not the first choice for the role of Thackery Binx. The part was originally offered to a young, pre-superstar Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio, who was reportedly offered a significant sum of money, turned down the role to pursue other projects, including What's Eating Gilbert Grape, for which he later earned his first Oscar nomination. This casting decision created a fascinating alternate history for the cult classic, cementing Murray's place in the film's legend.
2. The Iconic Voice is Not Sean Murray’s
One of the most mind-bending facts for fans is that the voice of the human Thackery Binx is not Sean Murray's. The character's voice was dubbed over entirely by veteran voice actor Jason Marsden, best known as the voice of Max Goof from A Goofy Movie. Although Murray physically portrayed the 17th-century teenager, the producers opted for Marsden's voice to achieve a specific, slightly more mature sound for the character's dialogue.
3. He Had His First Panic Attack While Watching the Film
Despite the film being a family-friendly Halloween staple, Murray revealed that watching the final cut of Hocus Pocus caused him significant anxiety. He shared that he experienced his first-ever panic attack while sitting in the theater, a feeling he described as intense nervousness and a need to escape. This personal anecdote highlights the pressure and intensity of seeing one's work on the big screen at a young age.
4. His Stepsister Had a Crush on Thackery Binx
In a hilarious twist of fate, Murray’s stepsister, actress Troian Bellisario, confessed that she had a crush on his character, Thackery Binx, long before she knew they would become family. Troian, who was a child when the film was released, was a huge fan of the movie and the romantic, heroic figure of the cursed boy. Murray, who found the revelation amusing, often shares this story, adding a unique family layer to the film's legacy.
5. He Has No Human Role in the Sequel, But Fans Hope for 'Hocus Pocus 3'
When Disney+ released the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, in 2022, many fans were disappointed that the original's core human cast, including Max Dennison (Omri Katz) and Dani Dennison (Thora Birch), did not have major roles. Sean Murray's character, Thackery Binx, having finally found peace at the end of the first film, did not appear at all. While there is no official confirmation of his involvement in a potential Hocus Pocus 3, the continued fan enthusiasm for the original cast keeps the door open for a cameo, perhaps as a spirit guide or in a new flashback sequence, should the third installment come to fruition.
6. The Role Launched His Relationship with the Bellisario Dynasty
Although Hocus Pocus was a fun, early-career highlight, the trajectory of Murray's career was significantly influenced by his mother’s marriage to TV producer Donald P. Bellisario, the creator of shows like Magnum P.I., Quantum Leap, and the military drama JAG. Murray was cast in a recurring role on JAG as Danny Walden, a role that directly led to his permanent casting as Special Agent Timothy McGee on the spin-off series, NCIS, which remains his primary project today.
From Salem to NCIS: Sean Murray's Massive Success Today
The role of Thackery Binx was a stepping stone, but Sean Murray's career defining work is undoubtedly as Special Agent Timothy McGee on NCIS. Having joined the cast in 2003, Murray is one of the longest-serving actors on the show, which has been one of the most-watched dramas on television for two decades.
The Financial and Professional Clout of a TV Star
Murray's longevity on a major network show has translated into significant financial success, providing a powerful example of topical authority in the television landscape. As of recent reports, Sean Murray's salary per episode of NCIS is estimated to be around $300,000. This impressive figure places him among the highest-paid actors on television, a testament to his commitment to the character and the show's enduring popularity.
His work on NCIS as McGee has allowed him to grow from a junior agent to a Senior Field Agent, constantly evolving the character over multiple seasons. This stability in his professional life contrasts sharply with the ephemeral nature of his early career roles, such as the cursed boy in Hocus Pocus. Fans of the film often experience a delightful shock when they realize the sweet, 17th-century teen who tried to protect his sister is the same actor playing the seasoned, tech-savvy federal agent.
The Enduring Legacy of Thackery Binx
Despite his massive success on NCIS, Sean Murray remains gracious and amused by the continued popularity of Hocus Pocus. Every Halloween season, the film's resurgence brings a new wave of attention to his early work. The character of Thackery Binx represents a powerful blend of youthful heroism and tragic romance, ensuring that Murray's place in Halloween cinema history is as immortal as the cat he once portrayed. His career perfectly demonstrates how an iconic, small role in a cult classic can lay the foundation for a decades-long, high-profile career.
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