Director Discusses Challenges of Disney’s 2023 ‘Haunted Mansion’ Release
As Disney fans eagerly awaited the release of the 2023 film adaptation of the beloved Haunted Mansion ride, director Justin Simien faced a series of unprecedented challenges. The film, based on Katie Dippold’s imaginative script, hit theaters on July 15, 2023, just as the SAG-AFTRA strike began. “I have some mixed feelings about it, to be honest,” Simien confessed, reflecting on the timing that curtailed promotional opportunities as no performers were allowed to promote their works during the strike.
The movie explores a heartwarming narrative where a single mother and her son enlist the help of a skeptic astrophysicist to rid their new home of unwelcome spirits. The ensemble cast, featuring stars like Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, and Danny DeVito, couldn’t attend the premiere, leaving fans to celebrate with the park’s iconic costumed characters instead. Despite earning over $100 million at the box office, the film fell short of Disney’s expectations and managed a lukewarm 37% on Rotten Tomatoes.
In an interview with Collider, Simien discussed the emotional impact of promoting a film under strike constraints. “It was extremely difficult. When the release came, there was just a lot of conversation that was difficult to be in the middle of,” he noted. However, he expressed immense pride in the unique storyline, particularly highlighting the heartfelt relationship between a struggling Black man and a fatherless boy. “That might seem very small, but that’s not a narrative that is common out there,” Simien emphasized, adding that the story resonated deeply with him.
Disney has a history of translating its theme park attractions to the big screen with mixed results. While Pirates of the Caribbean set a high bar with its blend of adventure and fantasy, other efforts like Tomorrowland and Jungle Cruise have had varying degrees of success. The first Haunted Mansion adaptation in 2003, starring Eddie Murphy, achieved better box office results, although it also faced critical challenges. The newest rendition has found a more receptive audience on Disney+ after its theatrical release, but don’t hold your breath for a sequel just yet.
For Disney aficionados and movie buffs, the Haunted Mansion (2023) is currently available for streaming on Disney+. Did you watch it? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss what you loved or loathed about this latest ride-to-film venture!
Source: Federico Furzan
