(L to R) Chase Dillon as Travis, Rosario Dawson as Gabbie, LaKeith Stanfield as Ben, Owen Wilson as Father Kent, and Tiffany Haddish as Harriet in Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion.’ Photo by Jalen Marlowe. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Inspired by the classic theme park ride, Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ is a fun adventure filled with ghastly frights. Directed by Justin Simien (‘Dear White People’), the tale takes place inside a New Orleans manor where a mother and her son stumble upon the 999 happy haunts. This all-age film strikes a good balance of humor and horror with an adequate amount of jump scares that are perfect for the younger audience.
This isn’t the first time the classic ride got the live-action movie treatment. Eddie Murphy starred in the 2003 ‘The Haunted Mansion,’ but the film was criticized by both critics and audiences alike. The 2003 film received a 13% critics score and a 31% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The mansion has also been featured in ‘Muppets Haunted Mansion,’ a Halloween special that was released on Disney+.
Aside from the lore of the ghosts, there is an unexpected story of loss and grief. Ben Mathis (LaKeith Stanfield) was very passionate about his work in the paranormal until a tragic event that led to the loss of his wife. Ben became bitter and morose, giving up on his work in the paranormal until Father Kent recruited him to investigate the mansion. Throughout the film, it is revealed why certain spirits are drawn towards Ben and other individuals with a similar story.
Hatbox Ghost (voiced by Jared Leto) in Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion.’ Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The official synopsis for ‘’Haunted Mansion” is below:
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, Haunted Mansion tells the story of Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), a single mom, who discovers that the home she and her son share is haunted by irksome ghosts. Hoping to restore domestic tranquility, Gabbie recruits a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid the house of the supernatural squatters.
Who Is In The Cast of ‘Haunted Mansion’?
(L to R) Owen Wilson as Father Kent, Danny DeVito as Bruce, Rosario Dawson as Gabbie, and Tiffany Haddish as Harriet in Disney’s live-action ‘Haunted Mansion.’ Photo by Jalen Marlowe. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Haunted Mansion’
From Ride To Screen
A scene from Disney’s live-action ‘Haunted Mansion.’ Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The movie did a great job of adapting the fan-favorite attraction onto the big screen to include many Easter Eggs. Pulling distinguished scenes directly from the ride, such as the Stretching Room and its portraits, the endless hallway, the seance room, and the ballroom scene.
The film also highlighted characters such as Madam Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis), The Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto), the hitchhiking ghosts, Constance the Bride, and more as some of the spirits haunted Gabbie and crew.
Director Justin Simien was a former Disney cast member, and with the Haunted Mansion being one of his favorite attractions from the theme park, he and writer Kate Dippold made sure the mansion was presented in its truest fashion.
Where Can I Watch ‘Haunted Mansion’?
Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota in Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion.’ Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
‘Haunted Mansion’ premiered on July 15, 2023, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California and was released domestically on July 28, 2023. The film is no longer in theaters, as it has passed the 45-day theatrical window and is making its way to digital and streaming.
Where to Watch: ‘Haunted Mansion’ Online
The movie will be streaming on Disney+ starting October 4 and available for purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and more. ‘Haunted Mansion’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Watch the official trailers for ‘Haunted Mansion’ below:
For those who prefer to bring the film home in physical media, Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD on October 17. It will include never-before-seen bonus features and featurettes such as:
- Making Haunted Mansion
- 999 Happy Haunts
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
Buy ‘Haunted Mansion’ on Amazon
‘Haunted Mansion’ is produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as Executive Producers.
(L to R) Owen Wilson as Father Kent and Director Justin Simien on the set of Disney’s live-action ‘Haunted Mansion.’ Photo by Chuck Zlotnik. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Please click on the video below to watch our exclusive interviews with the cast of ‘Haunted Mansion.’
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