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Spooky szn is officially here—and what better way to celebrate than by streaming Hocus Pocus 2? We've been counting down the days to the frighteningly fab sequel, and we're sooo here for the star-studded cast. To get the scoop on the Sanderson Sisters, we chatted with Taylor Paige Henderson, who totally slays the part of Young Winifred (and hearts Halloween just as much as we do). Scroll for some special deets about the breakout star, including her favorite behind-the-scenes moments and the cute (and creepy!) guest stars you didn't see coming...

Girls' Life: So, how'd you get your start in acting?
Taylor Paige Henderson: I started acting in my local community theater when I was 5 years old. I had a big imagination, so my parents put me in theater classes at a pretty young age. By the time I was 11 years old, I was ready to do more. I started training with an acting coach who introduced me to my agent and manager. Working in this industry has been *such* a blessing—I've met some of my BFFs through acting and have been given some amaze opportunities.

GL: How did you feel when you found out you'd be joining the cast of Hocus Pocus 2?
Taylor: My first reaction? Pure relief. I had been working *so* hard on the character of Young Winifred, and I was just so relieved to know that I was actually going to bring this amazing character to life. The entire experience was just so magical. 

GL: Sounds like such a rewarding moment. And, besides Young Winifred, what would you say is your dream role?
Taylor: I would love to play Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice or Zoe Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen. Both of those are such challenging and interesting characters. As for TV, I think it's hard to say what would be a dream role for me. My goal is just to keep training and learning all that I can so when the right opportunity comes along, I'm ready.

GL: What were some of your fave behind-the-scenes moments?
Taylor: There were just so many. Working with Tony Hale and Hannah Waddingham was a dream come true. Plus, I made some amazing friendships on set. Juju Brener (Young Sarah) and Nina Kitchen (Young Mary) were amazing to work with and brought so much to their characters! But one of the coolest parts was working with spiders in one of the scenes. These particular spiders were in a Billie Eilish music video, so it was like meeting tiny eight-legged superstars. There's nothing like working with spiders to get into character as a witch!

GL: And, speaking of Hocus Pocus 2, do you have any Halloween traditions?
Taylor: I love to pass out candy to all the kids who come to our house and see them in their fun costumes. Dressing up *has* to be one of the best parts of Halloween! I dressed up as a box of donuts a few years ago, and that was really fun. This year, I'm going as a cat. I love fall and the whole vibe of the season. It's always been my fave.

GL: Lastly, what are you *most* excited about for the future?
Taylor: I'm just so looking forward to Hocus Pocus 2 coming out. I think people are going to love it. I also have some exciting projects on the horizon that will be so much fun. I'm learning something new every day, and that in itself is so exciting to me!

Check out Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+! 

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Image: Curtis & Cort Photography

by Mina Rahmat and Lena Genovese | 9/30/2022