Disney Announces New Movie Based on the Haunted Mansion

July 23, 2010, 10:52 AM · SAN DIEGO, California - Comedian Patton Oswalt announced plans today at Comic-Con International, an annual convention celebrating comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, and other pop culture elements, for a new movie based on Disney's popular Haunted Mansion attraction.

Most of you are probably thinking what I thought: "Didn't they already make a film based on the Haunted Mansion? And didn't it stink?

Happily, Disney has chosen Guillermo del Toro, a credible name in fantasy and horror, to write and direct the film. You may remember del Toro from the fantastical "Hell Boy" and "Pan's Labyrinth" films, both of which he wrote and directed. The latter also took home three Oscars.

According to MTV News, del Toro has been visiting the attraction annually ever since he was three years old. "We're making the Haunted Mansion the most haunted place on earth," said del Toro, differentiating the film from its predecessor. "We are not making it a comedy. We are making it scary and fun at the same time, but the scary will be scary."

Added del Toro, "This, to me, is a dream come true, and I hope to steal as many props as possible."

The panel at the Comic-Con also revealed new videos and details of Disney's upcoming films "Tron Legacy" and "Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides".

Replies (16)

July 23, 2010 at 11:11 AM · So what, are we just suppose to go ahead and forget about the Eddie Murphy version? Because, you know, I'm cool with that.
July 23, 2010 at 11:27 AM · He had another quote that paraphrased as, "forget about the Eddie Murphy version." It made me smile. This guy knows visual effects, writing, and directing. I'm looking forward to it.
July 23, 2010 at 12:54 PM · I think this is fabulous news!!! You have to have a die hard fan of the ride to make movie worthy of it. I just wonder what type of storyline it is going to have.
July 23, 2010 at 1:10 PM · I'm excited that they'll be putting the same amount of effort into the Haunted Mansion movie that they put into the Pirates franchise. I've always liked the Eddie Murphy version because I loved the ride as a kid, but I will take as many versions of a movie based on the greatest ride of all time as they are willing to make.
July 23, 2010 at 1:19 PM · Well, the first movie really sucked so, they are going to redo it?? I think Del Toro is running out of ideas.
July 23, 2010 at 2:48 PM · I'm excited for the Pirates and Tron sequels but, the Haunted Mansion remake doesn't get me excited at all. The first attempt at a Mansion movie was so bad.
July 23, 2010 at 6:52 PM · I wouldnt mind if he also forgot the Tower of Terror movie and do one of those too!
July 23, 2010 at 7:26 PM · Looking forward to the next POTC moive. I happen to see the new Black Pearl being built in Hawaii. Beautiful!
July 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM · Del Toro is only co-writing and producing the film. He will not be the director (I know the MTV story claims he's directing, but the folks over at /film got the clarification today).
July 23, 2010 at 9:07 PM · I'm with you Dan. I have tried desperately to forget the Tower of Terror movie. That was also such a let down.
July 24, 2010 at 5:19 AM · There was a "Tower of Terror" movie? I must have been working that weekend when it was in the theatres.
July 24, 2010 at 9:19 AM · It was a made for TV movie starring Steve Guttenberg. There is nothing more to say other than some of the worst special effects and acting known to man. Eddie Murphy's Haunted Mansion looked like a contender for an Oscar compared to the ToT movie.
July 24, 2010 at 8:31 AM · He even said the Hatbox Ghost was going to be the main character. He's a true Haunted Mansion fan. Color me happy.
July 24, 2010 at 9:37 AM · if Del Toro is directing... i'm expecting a Burton's Alice in Wonderland-y kookiness with a touch of Pan's Labyrinth freakiness. Me says: OooOOooOoo. i like!!! (For real, keep Eddie Murphy as a talking donkey instead)
July 24, 2010 at 11:06 AM · Both Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror were good movies. What does anybody expect, the greatest movies ever made. They were both fun.
July 25, 2010 at 7:20 PM · Heyyy....I liked Eddie Murphy's Haunted Mansion

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