The Haunted Mansion Director's Secret Pick for the Next Blockbuster Disney Ride Movie Adaptation

Summary

Director Justin Simien, known for his work on the acclaimed film Haunted Mansion, aims to transform the retired Captain EO attraction into a captivating cinematic experience. With his flair for capturing the enchanting essence of Disney rides, Simien aims to bring the magic of Captain EO to the silver screen.

Simien's adaptation of Haunted Mansion incorporates eerie Easter eggs and delves into the theme of grief, showcasing an impressive ensemble cast.

Captain EO presents Simien with a one-of-a-kind chance to evoke nostalgia and expand upon the universe, characters, and narrative introduced in the original short film helmed by Francis Ford Coppola and penned by George Lucas.

Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien has expressed his interest in bringing the beloved Disney attraction, Captain EO, to life on the silver screen. Simien aims to capture the essence of the ride by incorporating eerie Easter eggs and beloved spectral characters, all while exploring themes of grief with a talented ensemble cast. His ability to breathe new life into the ride's most captivating elements makes him a strong candidate for future projects based on Disney's vast array of attractions.

In an interview with Screen Rant at San Diego Comic-Con, Simien delves into the process of adapting Haunted Mansion from ride to film. During the conversation, he also reveals his strong desire to give the retired Captain EO attraction its moment in the spotlight. Below, you can read Simien's full statement on the subject.

Could A Captain EO Movie Work?

Captain EO, let us embark on this adventure. I understand that it is currently inactive, but I am undeterred. I crave the euphoria of melodic tunes, rhythmic movements, and a touch of retro hairstyle in the cosmic expanse without delay.

Having a rich heritage in bringing its attractions to the silver screen, Disney has a penchant for transforming its rides into captivating movies. One such example is Pirates of the Caribbean, which not only became a successful film, but also spawned an entire franchise. Another attraction worth mentioning is Captain EO, which graced Disneyland from 1986 to 1997 and Epcot from 1986 to 1994. This mesmerizing experience starred the legendary Michael Jackson in a 3D sci-fi musical short film, skillfully directed by Francis Ford Coppola and written by George Lucas, Rusty Lemorande, and Coppola himself. The narrative focuses on Captain EO and his intrepid crew as they embark on a thrilling mission to rescue a planet from the clutches of The Supreme Leader.

Part of the enjoyment in these movies, such as Haunted Mansion, lies in the inclusion of hidden surprises from the rides for fans to appreciate. What sets Captain EO apart is the fact that the ride no longer exists at either of the theme parks. This presents an opportunity for Simien to tap into nostalgia rather than relying on obvious references. Captain EO offers the perfect chance to expand upon the foundation established by renowned creators like Lucas and Coppola.

The most successful Disney attraction adaptations go beyond simply replicating the ride. Instead, they use it as a starting point to craft a more intricate story. Captain EO has the potential to do just that by expanding upon the world, characters, and plot introduced in the short film. With his ability to bring a fresh perspective to a Disney attraction while capturing the essence of what audiences love, as demonstrated in Haunted Mansion, Simien could achieve the same with Captain EO if given the opportunity.