As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for both gaming and films, I must say that the 2023 adaptation of Disney’s Haunted Mansion has left me somewhat bewildered, much like navigating the labyrinthine corridors of Gracey Manor itself. The film, though financially successful, was met with a chilly reception from critics and failed to meet Disney’s sky-high expectations.
In a recent statement, Justin Simien, director of the 2023 Haunted Mansion movie adaptation based on the classic Disney Ride, discussed the impact of its release during a challenging period in Hollywood. The film hit theaters on July 15, 2023, just after the SAG-AFTRA strike had started. Unfortunately, this meant that no cast members were allowed to attend promotional events. Speaking about the release strategy, Simien expressed his feelings as “mixed.”
2023’s adaptation of the “Haunted Mansion” was penned by Katie Dippold, known for her work in shows like “Parks and Recreation,” films such as 2016’s “Ghostbusters,” and “Snatched.” This movie follows a single mother and her son who, upon acquiring a haunted house, enlist the help of a skeptic astrophysicist to rid it of unwilling spirits. Accompanying them are a psychic, a priest, and a historian, all working together to exorcise the spirits residing in the abandoned Gracey Manor. Despite earning over $100 million at the box office, the film fell short of Disney’s expectations and was met with unfavorable reviews by critics. Currently, it holds a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
As I chatted with Collider about my latest docuseries, Hollywood Black, I shared my thoughts on the challenges I faced promoting the movie amidst the industry-wide strike. It was a tough time, indeed.
“I feel genuinely proud of my personal accomplishments during that challenging process. When the solution finally surfaced, it sparked many intense discussions, which at times felt overwhelming to navigate.”
The grand film premiere, where the star-studded cast including Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Chase W. Dillon, Owen Wilson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny DeVito, Dan Levy, and Jared Leto were expected to walk the red carpet, took place at Disneyland. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, only Disneyland’s costumed characters made an appearance for the event. Despite this unexpected twist, the director, Simien, shared his thoughts about the film’s significance to him.
“I’m thrilled to find a film that portrays a bond between a Black man navigating his emotions. The plot revolves around him learning to express his feelings and providing care for a fatherless child who desperately needs guidance. Though it may seem insignificant, this narrative is scarcely represented in media. It resonates deeply with me, touching my heart and soul. I’m not daunted by the budget or production schedule.”
The History of Film Adaptations of Disney Rides
Previously, Disney has experimented with transforming amusement park rides into films, with mixed outcomes. The most triumphant instance was “Pirates of the Caribbean,” which ignited a massive franchise following the release of Gore Verbinski’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” This film struck a perfect chord by blending adventure, fantasy, and kid-friendly horror elements. Additionally, Johnny Depp’s popularity at that time significantly contributed to its box office success. Other examples of Disney park ride adaptations include “Tomorrowland,” “Jungle Cruise,” “The Country Bears,” and both versions of “Haunted Mansion.”
Back in 2003, I was thrilled to witness the big-screen interpretation of the spine-tingling classic from our beloved Disney parks – “The Haunted Mansion”, starring none other than Eddie Murphy. Although it didn’t fare so well with critics, this movie managed to rake in nearly $200 million at the box office. Sadly, the subsequent adaptation faced a tough time in development and ultimately flopped at the box office. Despite its recent success on Disney+, I’d advise fellow fans not to hold their breath for a sequel just yet.
Haunted Mansion
(2023) is available to stream on Disney+.
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2024-08-04 04:31