Exclusive: Director of Haunted Mansion Reboot Picks His Eeriest Disney Ghost!

Summary

The upcoming Haunted Mansion reboot will incorporate iconic elements from the renowned Disneyland ride, such as the Hatbox Ghost and the haunting presence of Lindsay Lamb's bridal ghost. This inclusion suggests a more mature and somber approach to the film.

The marketing campaign for the Haunted Mansion reboot has officially confirmed the inclusion of the Hitchhiking Ghosts and animated busts, suggesting the possibility of future sequels and franchise expansion.

Note: This article was written amidst the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, acknowledging the indispensable contribution of the writers and actors in both unions to the making of this film.

Director Justin Simien, known for his house filled with memorable spirits, recently discussed his favorite ghost from the Haunted Mansion ride, which has been adapted into a new Disney movie. This horror-comedy, the second adaptation of the Disneyland ride, follows a group of experts in the paranormal who are brought in to help a single mother and her son rid their newly purchased mansion of its countless haunting spirits. The star-studded cast of Haunted Mansion includes LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

During an exclusive interview with Screen Rant at the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con, Simien dove into the process of creating the upcoming Haunted Mansion reboot. When asked about his personal favorite ghost from the famous location, the director singled out the Mariner Ghost. He delved into the artistic representation of the spirit and how it aligns perfectly with the themes explored by one of the movie's human characters. Discover Simien's insights below.

Mariner Ghost. I have a profound fondness for the Mariner Ghost, but I can't quite pinpoint why. Perhaps it's the captivating manner in which he is depicted, with an expression on his face that has always captivated my attention. It wasn't until later that I discovered the significance of this spectral figure in art, where it often symbolizes intense emotions and the navigation through challenging sentiments associated with ships, oceans, and the sea. This revelation struck me as exceptionally deep, as it perfectly mirrors the experiences of Ben, the protagonist of the movie. As he grapples with his own inner turmoil, attempting to overcome adversities, I find myself inexplicably drawn to this character.

The Various Ghosts Confirmed For The Haunted Mansion Reboot

While the marketing has primarily focused on the comedic interactions between its human characters, the Haunted Mansion trailers have highlighted various iconic elements that are being brought from the Disneyland ride to the big screen. Similar to the Eddie Murphy-led film, writer Katie Dippold appears to have selected Jared Leto's Hatbox Ghost as the primary antagonist, a character with some control over the mansion's powers. This choice also suggests an adaptation of his backstory from the comics, where his first mate William Gracey beheaded him, and he was summoned by Madame Leota to disrupt the former pirate's wedding, ultimately terrifying his bride to death.

The Haunted Mansion footage has prominently featured Lindsay Lamb's bridal ghost, suggesting that the movie will focus on her character's backstory. Casting Curtis as Leota adds a more serious tone to the film compared to the previous, more comedic adaptation with Murphy. Simien, a former Disneyland employee, has expressed his commitment to faithfully adapting the Haunted Mansion and pulling from various sources to explore its backstory. In addition to Leota and the Hatbox Ghost, the marketing for the reboot confirms the appearance of the iconic Hitchhiking Ghosts, moving busts, and other elements from the Disneyland ride. Simien has also hinted at multiple haunted locations, potentially setting up future Haunted Mansion sequels and introducing other familiar characters alongside his favorite, the Mariner Ghost, to pave the way for a new franchise.