In a stunning revelation that rewrites Hollywood history, Sean Murray has disclosed that a young Leonardo DiCaprio once auditioned for the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus - a role that ultimately went to Murray himself, setting both actors on dramatically different career paths.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Murray, now best known for his long-running role as Special Agent Timothy McGee on NCIS, recently shared the incredible story during an interview, explaining how both actors were competing for the same role in the 1993 Disney film.
"We were all up for the same part," Murray revealed, "and Leo didn't get it. I got it, and then Leo went and did this little movie called Titanic."
A Hollywood Turning Point
The failed audition proved to be a blessing in disguise for DiCaprio, who instead took the lead role in James Cameron's epic romance Titanic just four years later. The film became a global phenomenon, catapulting DiCaprio to international superstardom and earning him his first Oscar nomination.
Murray reflected on the strange twists of fate in Hollywood, noting how different both their careers might have been if the casting decision had gone the other way.
Murray's Enduring Legacy
While Murray didn't achieve the same level of global fame as DiCaprio, his career has been remarkably enduring. His role in Hocus Pocus as Thackery Binx's human form became a cult favourite among fans of the seasonal classic.
More significantly, his 20-year tenure on NCIS has made him one of television's most recognisable faces, proving that sometimes the road less travelled leads to its own unique success story.
The revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting and how a single decision can alter the course of multiple careers forever.
