Disney has released the first teaser for their upcoming horror-comedy flick Haunted Mansion, which stars a star-studded ensemble.
The film reveals lots of Easter Eggs for fans of the ride, from homicidal bride Constance Hatchaway to the stretching picture chamber and the first appearance of the famed Hatbox Ghost, performed by Jared Leto, which initially appeared at Disneyland in 1969.
Jamie Lee Curtis, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Dan Levy, Tiffany Haddish, and LaKeith Stanfield all star in the film, which is directed by Dear White People’s Justin Simien.
The caravan begins with Dawson and her son (Chase W. Dillion) going into their new home, only to discover that is decidedly lacking in warmth and, well, little scary.
Or as Wilson’s priest character puts it: ‘This mansion is unhinged.’
The family then enlists a motley team of so-called spiritual experts to assist in ridding the mansion of its supernatural inhabitants (traditionally known to in Disney legend as the 999 happy haunts), with Wilson allegedly paying Stanfield to play his role.
Dawson acknowledges, ‘This house has a way of playing tricks on you.’ Haunted pictures, coats of armour, and chattering spirits are exposed.
That’s before we get to the ghost bride with an axe, the clock ringing 13 o’clock, the spirit playing a miraculous organ – and the newly dug graves.
‘Be careful, death lurks around every corner,’ says DeVito, and if you’ve ever been to Disney’s Haunted Mansion, you know he’s probably right.
No character names or descriptions have been published for the ensemble, although Curtis is the second actor confirmed to be portraying a ride figure, in Madame Leota, other than Leto.
Typically visible as a disembodied floating head throughout the attraction, ‘call[ing] in the spirits wherever they’re at,’ Leota appears here in the guise of Curtis, her head securely attached to her body.
Leota appears to be coming to the estate dressed in exquisite red and gold finery to offer her services as a medium in the brief glimpse.
Only time will tell if she is of any assistance!
In 2003, Disney made a film based on the Haunted Mansion starring Eddie Murphy, which did well at the box office, grossing $182.3 million worldwide on a $90 million budget, but was panned by critics.
The ride’s ongoing appeal, as well as the studio’s tremendous success with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which is also based on a famous Disney Parks attraction, undoubtedly motivated them to give it another shot.
Haunted Mansion is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on August 11, 2023.
Source My Celebrity Life.