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"Hocus Pocus" Star Recalls Co-Star's Weed-Fueled Prank on Set
20 Oct
Summary
- "Hocus Pocus" actor Tobias Jelinek got high on weed before a major scene
- Co-star Omri Katz convinced Jelinek to smoke before filming
- Jelinek was "a mess" during the rehearsal with director Kenny Ortega

According to a recent interview, "Hocus Pocus" actor Tobias Jelinek, who played Jay in the classic Disney family-comedy, has recalled a hilarious incident from the set of the 1993 film. Jelinek revealed that his co-star Omri Katz, who played the role of Max, had convinced him to smoke a "giant nug of Californian green weed" during their lunch break before filming a crucial pumpkin-smashing scene.
Jelinek, who admitted to not being a frequent weed smoker, said he took a few puffs and then went into the rehearsal with director Kenny Ortega. However, the actor was clearly struggling, as he described himself as being "a mess" and unable to "hear anything." Ortega, who was overseeing the scene, noticed Jelinek's unusual behavior and asked, "What's going on with you, Tobias?"
The article also mentions that young actress Thora Birch, who played Dani in the film, was present during the incident and was likely "wondering what's going on with these teenagers." Katz, it seems, was an experienced smoker and was able to handle the effects of the weed, while Jelinek was left feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed.
The "Hocus Pocus" cast also included Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Vinessa Shaw, among others. The film was released in theaters on July 16, 1993 and has since become a beloved classic.