Disneymay havebranched out to explore other forms of mediaand filmmaking, thereby sharing fresh stories and new intellectual properties. However, the media conglomerate seems to be hanging on to its signature feature: movies based on its amusement park rides.Pirates of the Caribbeanmay have raised questions when it first began production, but it has since become a hugely successful franchise withno signs of stopping. Earlier this year, Disney released another movie-based-on-a-ride:Jungle Cruise, whosesequel was announcedjust months ago.
Soon, Disney hopes to strike success for a third time with another attraction-inspired movie, this time a remake ofThe Haunted Mansion. The Hollywood Reporter initially brokes the news of the franchise’s rebootin 2020, and it was officially confirmed that Disney had plans to give one of their most popular rides within the park the cinematic treatment (again). Here is what we know about The Haunted Mansion remake so far.
Related:Pirates of the Caribbean Co-Star Believes Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow Should Return
What is the Plot of The Haunted Mansion?
The full storyline behind the updated take onThe Haunted Mansionhas yet to be fully divulged, but an idea of what to expect can be found within the published synopsis. Reportedly, the film will center arounda family who inhabits a haunted manorand follow their experience with supernatural forces. Gabbie, a single mother, hires a trio of experts (a historian/professor, a psychic medium, and a priest) in hopes that they can successfully exorcise their mansion after learning that it is a haunted estate. It is expected that the film will set itself in the French Quarters of New Orleans, as the ride itself can be found in New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
Justin Simien ofDear White PeopleandBad Hairis set to direct the film, effectively marking the director’s first big-budget feature. He will direct the screenplay written by Katie Dippold, and, what’s more, the story will not be related whatsoever to Eddie Murphy’sThe Haunted Mansionfrom 2003. Indeed, Murphy’s film did not fare well with audiences or critics, despite the ongoing popularity of the Disneyland ride. This is the first film based on a Disney attraction that has been rebooted, and by the details shared about what to expect, it seems to have significant differences from its predecessor.
Who is in the Cast of The Haunted Mansion?
The cast ofThe Haunted Mansionis quickly racking up big names to star in the film. Owen Wilson, fresh off of his run onLokiandThe French Dispatch, will step into the film as “Priest.“Joining him will be Danny DeVitoas a character described as a “smug professor” or “historian.” DeVito’s last Disney appearance was in Tim Burton’sDumboas Max Medici. Disney newcomers Lakeith Stanfield and Tiffany Haddish are also part of the growing ensemble. Stanfield will be featured as a tour guide who ushers guests through the mansion, and Haddish will take on the role of a psychic who has been hired to reach out to the spirits of the dead. Rosario Dawson has been billed among the cast per IMDb’s reporting, and it can be assumed that she may be playing the woman who hires Stanfield for the tour of the mansion.
Related:Owen Wilson Joins Disney’s The Haunted Mansion Movie
When Will The Haunted Mansion Release?
No exact release date has been attached toThe Haunted Mansion, even with its initial announcement of production being over a year ago. Principle photography was originally set to have taken place in October 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia, but due to the continuation of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it remains difficult to gauge a shooting schedule. If production runs smooth enough to the point where the film experiences no delays, setbacks, or other issues, it is expected thatThe Haunted Mansioncould arrive as early as October 2022, specifically, around Halloween. Considering the instability of shooting schedules, however, there’s a higher chance that Disney could aim to release the film in mid-to-late 2023, depending on how quickly the shooting and post-production process move along. It’s ideal that Disney is to determine a time slot whereThe Haunted Mansionisn’t faced with any box office competition, even from Disney themselves.
