Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, has a knack for transforming its visitors’ dreams into reality. It’s a place where beloved characters come to life, and the magic of childhood fantasies reigns supreme. However, on a very unusual day, the House of Mouse decided to blur the lines between fantasy and reality with an eerie twist. The stars of Disney’s Haunted Mansion reboot descended on the park, not to sign autographs or pose for photos, but to leave their mark in an entirely different, spine-tingling way: they crashed the park to scare the unsuspecting guests.
A Haunting History
The original Haunted Mansion, an iconic Disneyland attraction, inspired the first Haunted Mansion film that hit the big screen back in 2003. Despite being led by Eddie Murphy, one of the world’s most beloved comedic actors, the film did not achieve the blockbuster status of Disney’s other ride adaptations like the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Critics were not entirely convinced by Murphy’s acting prowess, and it seemed that fans were not yet ready for another ride to be transformed into a full-fledged cinematic story.
Nonetheless, the film managed to secure $182 million at the worldwide box office against a $90 million budget. While this might not sound like a staggering sum in today’s terms, $182 million was a significant amount two decades ago. Banking on its comedic relief, the Murphy-led adventure cemented the Haunted Mansion’s place in pop culture and set the stage for future adaptations.
A Reimagined Haunt
Fast forward to 2023, Disney decided to revamp the Haunted Mansion film with a fresh spin. The new version of the movie seems to lean more heavily into its horror roots, while still maintaining a generous dose of humor. The film’s PG-13 rating and the first look at the movie suggest a feature that banks more on scares than its predecessor.
The reboot tells the story of a turbulent house eager to expel all its inhabitants, and who better to bring this eerie tale to life than a star-studded cast? LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tiffany Haddish, Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito, and many more lend their talents to the reboot, promising an unforgettable experience to the viewers.
The Haunted Mansion Cast Descends on Disneyland
In a promotional stunt unlike any other, Disney tapped Stanfield, Wilson, and Curtis to give park visitors a surprise they would never forget. The trio, dressed in their finest haunted attire, arrived at Disneyland to guide guests to their “doom.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, who portrays Madame Leota—a woman trapped within a crystal ball—in the film, welcomed guests into the stretching room of the Haunted Mansion. She quipped about her character and yelled, “Suckers!” as the door closed on the unsuspecting visitors. The surprise didn’t end there. As the guests moved on, they were met by Owen Wilson, who plays Kent in the film. The shrieks that followed were hopefully shocks of joy from the fans of the Cars series star.
The final surprise came right before the guests embarked on their buggies, in the form of LaKeith Stanfield, who portrays Ban Mathias in the film. The video of the event concludes with the three stars enjoying the ride and chanting “Haunted!” in unison, encapsulating the fun and excitement of the day.
Looking Forward to the Fright
Though most people couldn’t witness the Haunted Mansion cast’s surprise visit to Disneyland, the anticipation for the film’s release on July 28 is sky-high. The film promises to provide a good scare, coupling horror, and humor in a way that only Disney can.
If the cast’s appearance at Disneyland is any indication, the reboot of Haunted Mansion is set to be a thrilling ride that the audience won’t forget any time soon. So, buckle up, hold tight, and get ready to be thrilled by the Haunted Mansion. Will you dare to enter the house when the time comes? Let us know in the comments down below, and remember: at Disneyland, even the scares are magical!
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