Today’s “spooky” famous feline, Binx, is well known for his role in the 1993 Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. This famous talking black cat plays an integral role in trying to escape from and defeat three evil witches, the Sanderson Sisters. Wondering why a black would try to get rid of witches? That’s because Binx is actually a boy named Thackery Binx who was cursed to live forever as a cat…
The film begins in the 1693 in Salem, Massachusetts. Thackery Binx discovers that his sister, Emily, has been taken by the three witches, Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson. While attempting to rescue his sister, Thackery Binx insults the eldest witch, Winifred, which upsets her and causes her to turn Thackery into a black cat, telling him that he is now cursed to live like this forever (see his transformation HERE).
Shortly after the curse is laid upon Thackery, his father and several townspeople raid the witches’ home, and put them to death. However, this does not get rid of the witches forever, as they cast a spell stating that they will return when someone lights the special black flame candle in their home on All Hallows Eve. After this incident, Binx chooses to guard the candle every Halloween to make sure that the witches never come back.
The movie continues 300 years later in 1993, and Thackery Binx is reintroduced when the main character, Max Dennison visits the Sanderson home (which is now a museum) and he lights the black flame candle in an attempt to impress a girl named Allison. Thackery tries to stop Max from lighting the candle, however, he is too late. From this point on, Thackery (known mainly as Binx) acts as a guide for the characters, showing them what they need to do to stay safe from the witches.
In addition to being a leader in the group, Binx also bonds with Max’s younger sister Dani. She loves Binx because he’s a sweet, cute cat, and Binx enjoys spending time with Dani because he lost his own young sister to the evil witches.
Overall, Thackery Binx is a caring, brave, and determined character – both in his feline and human form. Because he plays a protagonist in the film, he is able to create a positive image for black cats.
If you love cats, be sure to watch the movie Hocus Pocus this Halloween season. You will be sure to love the character of Thackery Binx just as much as we do.
Congratulations to one of our past Black Cat Contest winners - Bandit! Click 
