The Haunted Mansion is one of Disney World's most beloved and talked about rides. That's probably because of the spooky set designs, haunting sound effects, and whimsical ghouls that both frighten and delight. The ride was first opened in Disneyland in August of 1969, and in Disney World two years later in October of 1971 on its opening day. There have been many rides that have come and gone or been redesigned beyond recognition over the years; but The Haunted Mansion has remained true to its original design. And this is for obvious reasons, since no matter what time of day guests head over to The Haunted Mansion in one of the Disney theme parks, there is always going to be a long wait time.
Disney began making movies based on their most iconic theme park rides in 1997, when they made the TV Movie Tower of Terror with Kirsten Dunst. In 2003, Disney made a live-action adaptation of The Haunted Mansion which starred Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Tilly. Although it has gotten some more positive attention in recent years, it is definitely not a successful adaptation in the eyes of fans. It currently has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 14%. So with a new Haunted Mansion film in the works, Disney now has an opportunity to perhaps make a better film.
This isn't the first time there was news of a new remake of the world's happiest haunt. Ten years ago at a San Diego Comic-Con, Guillermo del Toro announced that he would be working on writing and directing a reboot. His work is known for being frightening and yet somehow endearing, so it's pretty safe to say fans were excited about the idea of having a Haunted Mansion movie that was a little less comedic and scarier. But little news or updates came from that announcement once it was made. It is theorized that del Toro wasn't given enough creative freedom, so he made his own ghost-filled mansion movie—Crimson Peak.
Disney is keeping the story of The Haunted Mansion reboot under wraps, and there is no official release date set. Writer Katie Dippold—whose previous work includes the 2016 Ghostbusters film and TV series Parks and Recreation—will be leading the writing team for the script. Director Justin Simien was recently announced to take the spot as director. Justin Simien created the film Dear White People, which later became a TV series. There has been no news about any of the cast members or filming locations.
With the talent being brought into the project, it will hopefully be more enjoyable than its 2003 predecessor. Both Dippold and Simien's work is more based in comedy, but if they strike the right balance of funny and scary, then it will surely be a new family-friendly Halloween movie to add to the holiday film list. Before discussing what fans want to see in a new Haunted Mansion film, what they didn't like about the original needs to be addressed.
Criticism of the 2003 film comes from its lack of creativity and originality, and for not referencing enough of the original ride. Fans didn't think the movie explored or played with the ride's decor and characters enough. There are a ton of interesting paintings and objects within the ride with stories that beg to be told. The Ghost Host that guides riders on a tour through the mansion was not utilized very much, and that voice is perhaps the most beloved thing about the ride, itself. Most of the critiques about the movie say it seemed less like a story about The Haunted Mansion, and more like a man and his family going through the ride together.
With the reboot, fans of Disney's The Haunted Mansion ride will expect to see some more references to the ride. They want an in-depth story about the lore of the ghosts who are trapped in and haunt the abandoned mansion. Perhaps a story about how there came to be so many spirits in the mansion, intercut with family who has just moved in would delight fans. Maybe the story could include scenes about how the characters of the paintings in the Stretching Room got into such peculiar predicaments. In the 2003 film, the family was from a modern time and it was set in present day. A film set a hundred years or so ago would give the reboot a spookier and more befitting tone.
If Disney wants a more successful Haunted Mansion movie, then they will need to consider what people have been saying about their last film for the past 18 years. Having a more serious tone while still having comedic moments will make the reboot better. Including the Ghost Host in a major way will please fans everywhere. Instead of having a family comedy with scary moments, fans want a scary Halloween movie with funny moments.