When Taylor Paige Henderson signed on to play Young Winifred in Disney+’s Hocus Pocus 2, she had no idea her life would instantly change. The movie, which stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy, premiered on September 30, and immediately, fans were drawn to Henderson.
“When I was auditioning for the role, I watched the first movie a lot. I had already see it before, but this was the first time I was watching the movie to study a character and learn mannerisms,” the 15-year-old exclusively tells GRAZIA USA of her character, which is based on Midler’s character, Winifred Sanderson. “It was a really different experience, and I noticed a lot of different things when I started watching it in a different way. I also watched a lot of interviews of Bette just talking about the character. When I finally booked the role, I was so excited, as I had been going through this process for a really long time. I had never done that in depth character study before, so it was new to me, and I hope I get to do it again.”
Since the rising star had to get into a specific headspace to play Young Winifred, she says the task was “10 times harder.”
“It was really intimidating, but the good thing was that I got to talk to Bette about certain things. She’s such a legend and a really iconic actress who is playing an iconic character, so to try and play a younger version of that is really nerve-wracking,” she admits. “But once I got to talk to her and once we got on set, we started working, and it got a little easier day by day. Once I put on the wig and the teeth, it helped me become Winifred.”
Despite the challenges, Henderson loved playing Winifred, as she “has such a fun personality” and is “bold and feisty.”
“I don’t usually play characters that are like that, so it was really cool to get to play someone who is so out there and so herself. She stands up for herself and her sisters,” she notes. “That was my favorite part — just getting to step out of my usual characters.”
The original film, which premiered in 1993, focuses on the three sisters who accidentally become free due to teenager Max’s actions, resulting in him stopping them from becoming immortal. The movie was such a success that fans still demanded a sequel almost 30 years later. “They’re the kindest people in the whole world, and they’re so talented,” Henderson gushes of the trio. “I learned a lot by watching them work — and working with Hannah Waddingham (who plays Mother Witch) was absolutely insane. She’s so nice, personable, kind and talented. It’s cool to get to work with a ton of really talented women.”
Additionally, the teenager adored getting to share the small screen with Tony Hale, who plays Jefry Traske. “He’s so funny and fun. Filming with him was probably my favorite part of filming,” she gushes.
Henderson, along with Nina Kitchen as young Mary and Juju Brener as young Sarah, have risen to fame ever since appearing in the flick — something they didn’t see coming. “People’s reactions have been crazy cool. I’ve gotten a lot of messages that say, ‘I’m going to be young Mary for Halloween or Young Winifred was my favorite character.’ I’m so honored. It’s amazing to know I worked really hard and the audience liked what I did,” she shares. “I expected people to be like, ‘Oh, they are so cute’ and then move on, but people have been loving our part in the film, which I don’t think anyone anticipated for that to happen.”
From a young age, Henderson dabbled in community theater, which is where she discovered that acting was something she wanted to pursue. “I started when I was five and now I am 15 so 10 years later I am in this huge film. It’s a full circle moment,” she states.
It remains to be seen whether a third movie is in the works, but Henderson is happy to sign on, should that be an option. “It was the most amazing experience ever with the most amazing cast. I’m so excited about the potential,” she exclaims. “If Bette wants to, I think we’re all in. If they did say yes to another movie, I would freak out and scream! I guess we’ll see.”
Going forward, Henderson is interested in partaking in a “TV show of any kind.”
“That’s been a dream of mine. I would love to do another film, but ultimately, I want to learn and grow in my craft, which is the most important thing over booking the jobs,” she says. “You have to train and learn and grow first.”
Ultimately, Henderson is still in awe of how far she’s come. “When I was younger I watched the movie, but I never imagined I would be part of this huge Hocus Pocus family,” she admits. “It’s crazy and surreal. I loved this movie as a kid and now I am in the sequel! I’m not even out of high school yet, so I am thankful and grateful for the people who have been with me throughout the whole journey.”
She concludes, “The two biggest things everybody says are: hard work pays off because if you don’t work hard, then you’re going absolutely nowhere and to stay humble. I really learned that from when I was younger.”
