Director's Shocking Revelation: Haunted Mansion 2 Update Promises Thrilling Twist After Disney Box Office Letdown

Summary

Director Justin Simien hasn't had any talks with Disney about a potential Haunted Mansion 2, but he is inspired by the experience of making the first movie for future stories.

The underwhelming reception and financial failure of the initial film notwithstanding, the recent debut on Disney+ holds the potential to substantially increase viewership and sway Disney towards contemplating a sequel. The triumph of Disney's Hocus Pocus sequel on Disney+ serves as an encouraging precedent, demonstrating that a devoted fan base and triumph in the streaming realm can pave the way for additional installments within a franchise.

Director Justin Simien, despite his plans for the future, shared a disappointing update on the possibility of a Haunted Mansion 2. This horror-comedy was the second film adaptation of the iconic Disneyland ride, following the unsuccessful 2003 movie led by Eddie Murphy. Despite featuring a talented ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito, and Jamie Lee Curtis, Haunted Mansion received poor reviews from critics and was a box office failure.

In an exclusive interview with Our website for the movie's home release, Simien revealed that he has not had any discussions with Disney about making a sequel since its theatrical release. However, he hinted at feeling "inspired by the experience" of making the first film, expressing interest in future stories within the franchise or exploring something original. Read below to learn more about Simien's thoughts on the matter.

How Haunted Mansion 2 Could Still Happen

Before the film's release, Simien expressed great excitement about the potential for a sequel to Haunted Mansion. He hinted that there are still many undiscovered mysteries within the iconic location and emphasized that the characters have not fully explored it yet. Since the movie concluded on a positive note, with Ben (played by Stanfield) and his team successfully banishing the sinister Hatbox Ghost, and Gabbie (played by Dawson) and her son Travis (played by Chase W. Dillon) finding harmony with the remaining spirits, it remains uncertain if any traces of evil persist in the mansion for a potential sequel.

Lack of support for the video tag in your browser does not rule out the possibility of a potential sequel for the movie. Despite not meeting its production budget of $157.8 million, there is still hope for a follow-up. Surprisingly, the adaptation was released on Disney+ during the Halloween season, a timing that was initially expected for its summer release. A significant increase in viewership on the streaming platform might be influential in persuading Disney to invite Simien for another thrilling journey with ghosts.

The chances of Haunted Mansion 2 in 2022 seem promising, as shown by a recent example with Hocus Pocus 2. Although the 1993 horror-comedy was not a box office success, it gained a dedicated fan base through home media and streaming. As a result, Disney decided to make a sequel exclusively for Disney+, which received positive reviews and set new viewership records. This success led to the greenlighting of Hocus Pocus 3. While it remains uncertain if a Haunted Mansion sequel would be released in theaters or on Disney+, a successful streaming release could greatly benefit Simien's hopes of continuing the franchise.