Guillermo del Toro Has Moved Onto Rebooting The Haunted Mansion
Guillermo del Toro didn’t depart THE HOBBIT without something else to fall back on to occupy his time. It just so happened that during Thursday’s Disney panel at Comic-Con, his plans were revealed in a huge surprise announcement. You can absolutely rule out a return by Eddie Murphy, because del Toro has been given free reign to reboot THE HAUNTED MANSION.
While directing is not out of the question and would probably be welcomed considering his unique visual style, del Toro is set to write and produce the reboot that will be centered on the long-removed Hatbox Ghost, a character that was a part of the Bride’s story in the original Disneyland version of the theme park attraction but quickly removed due to failed lighting effects. The character was never installed in the Disney World rendition of the Haunted Mansion either. However, the Hatbox Ghost has remained a sort of cult favorite of the ride, mostly because of his continued use in artwork and promotional materials for the Haunted Mansion.
By all accounts, the fans who had just finished sitting through the awesome TRON: LEGACY presentation were less than thrilled at the mention of a HAUNTED MANSION reboot… that is, until Guillermo del Toro was introduced as the name behind it, and how quickly opinions changed. Let’s face it… anything is better than the Eddie Murphy version of THE HAUNTED MANSION… well, maybe except PAUL BLART… but to hear that del Toro is putting together what has been called “scary but fun” is a huge score by Disney, and a potential revitalized franchise they might have on their hands, something they desperately need after the horrific failures of PRINCE OF PERSIA and THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE this summer. I love the attraction, and, if put into the right hands, I love the idea of trying to make a movie based off it once more. And del Toro is the right hands such a project needs, so let’s hope The Mouse can talk him into getting behind the camera for this, because, if Disney can make that happen, we could be looking at a really good film and a worthwhile addition to the Haunted Mansion legacy.
Here’s the full press release from Disney on the announcement:
THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND GUILLERMO DEL TORO DEVELOPING DISNEY’S HAUNTED MANSION
Del Toro Set to Write and Produce Film for Disney
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 22, 2010 –Guillermo del Toro surprised the 6,500 fans gathered today at Comic-Con with the announcement that he is currently developing a new film for The Walt Disney Studios based on the classic Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion.
“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy. After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters – think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,” said del Toro. “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world!”
“Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”
Since August 1969, foolish mortals have dared to trespass on the macabre grounds of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. A hallowed landmark in Disneyland’s New Orleans square, it’s the dwelling place of 999 happy haunts dying to meet new visitors each day. The plantation-style of the mansion’s facade is a sweet deception for visitors. Inside, ghostly doom buggies line the hallways. Since its construction, the mysteries of the mansion have transcended the attraction with stories surfacing about horrifying encounters with the supernatural. Versions of the daunting edifice have been built at other Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.
OMG! This is awesome! I love the ride but was not very impressed by the movie version. I think it has soo much potential so I’m really excited to see what he does with it!