Twenty years after their first effort, Disney is once again trying to turn the Haunted Mansion into a movie. Find out more about the new supernatural comedy coming this summer and what to expect!
First opening in Disneyland in 1969, the Haunted Mansion has been one of the most beloved attractions in all Disney parks. It has versions in Florida, Japan, Paris, and Hong Kong, each with its own take on the idea of a mansion inhabited by 999 spirits. Guests love the mix of darkness and light comedy to make it one of the greatest Disney rides ever.
In 2003, hot off the heels of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney tried to turn The Haunted Mansion into a movie starring Eddie Murphy. Despite doing its best to replicate the ride’s best moments, the movie didn’t come close to enjoying Pirates’ success.
In 2010, Disney hoped for a new version to be written and directed by Oscar-winner Guillermo Del Toro. Eventually, he fell out of it, but it is now coming, directed by Justin Simien with a screenplay by Katie Dippold.
What is Haunted Mansion about?
The story looks to mix together the mythos of the various Haunted Mansion attractions. A mother (Rosario Dawson) moves into a gothic mansion with her son. They soon discover it’s haunted and turn to a misfit group of a paranormal investigator, a priest, a psychic, and a college history professor.
As they try to figure out what these ghosts want, the group realizes the mansion has an even darker threat that could make them permanent residents.
Who stars in Haunted Mansion?
Rosario Dawson plays Gabbie, with Chase W. Dillon as her son. Tiffany Haddish is Harriet, the psychic; Owen Wilson is Kent, the priest, LaKeith Stanfield is Ben, a former paranormal investigator, and Danny DeVito is Bruce, a historian. Fresh off her Oscar win, Jamie Lee Curtis is Madame Leota, while Jared Leto is the offbeat Hatbox Ghost. Also, Winona Ryder and Dan Levy have undisclosed roles.
- LaKeith Stanfield as Ben
- Tiffany Haddish as Harriet
- Owen Wilson as Kent
- Danny DeVito as Bruce
- Rosario Dawson as Gabbie
- Chase W. Dillon as Travis
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota
- Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost
- Hasan Minhaj
- Dan Levy
- Winona Ryder
When does Haunted Mansion premiere?
The film was originally scheduled for March 10, 2023, then moved to August 11. However, the film opens in theaters on Friday, July 28, 2023, indicating Disney has faith it can be a late summer success.
With its good cast and mixing elements of a classic attraction, this new version of Haunted Mansion promises to banish the unpleasant memories of the previous film to pay tribute to a fine ride.
The Haunted Mansion premieres in theaters Friday, July 28, 2023.