Omri Katz not in Hocus Pocus 2 but is optimistic that OG fans will love it

It's nearly spooky season and Hocus Pocus 2 will soon be upon us! But, as many fans have recently learned, there will be a huge absence in the sequel that took nearly two decades to make. Omri Katz, who portrayed Max Dennison in the original 1993 movie, won't be reprising his role for the upcoming sequel, which sees the return of Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah), Bettie Midler (Winifred), and Kathy Najimy (Mary) as the witchy sisters of Salem.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the former child star revealed through his representative, Nery Lemus, that he would have "loved to be involved" but unfortunately, "is not".

"People have been asking, and unfortunately, I'm not in it. I would have loved to be involved," Katz told EW via his rep..

through his representative, Nery Lemus. "I feel bad for the original fan base saying we aren't because I'm sure they wanted to see us reprise our roles." Still, Katz praises the "new direction" the Anne Fletcher-directed sequel will take without his involvement, and lauds Fletcher and the studio for "trying to attract a new fan base."

"I think it'll be good for everyone who loved the original!" the 46-year-old finishes. "I hope fans will go see it. I know I will."