Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” might just be the surprise box office winner of the summer, already earning rave early reviews from critics following its premiere last weekend. This is a hauntingly good sign for the Walt Disney Company after the studio has weathered a rollercoaster year filled with both hits and high-profile misses at the box office.
The new supernatural comedy, based on the popular Disney Parks ride, arrives in theaters later this month and could provide a much-needed boost after the disastrous debut of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Harrison Ford’s final outing as the adventurer is on pace to be the biggest flop in Disney history after failing to earn back its gargantuan $350 million budget.
Meanwhile, Pixar’s “Elemental” also missed the mark critically and commercially this summer. And Disney’s live-action “Peter Pan & Wendy” remake crash-landed when it debuted on Disney+ in April, with critics bashing it as a dull retread lacking the magic of the animated classic.
With major franchises stumbling in 2023, Disney is hoping its Haunted Mansion adaptation can turn the studio’s fortunes around and lift spirits after an uncertain year at the global box office.
Jamie Lee Curtis joins the star-studded Haunted Mansion cast
Early reviews suggest it has a great shot, as “Haunted Mansion” held its premiere during Disney’s D23 Expo last weekend and immediately conjured up waves of enthusiastic social media reactions. Critics praised the film’s stunning visual effects, comedic tone, and cast of proven crowd-pleasers like Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish and Danny DeVito.
The dazzling ensemble also includes recent scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis, whose presence proves we’re in for a thrillingly spooky good time. Curtis joins the film as Madame Leota, the ghostly head psychic from the Disney Parks ride who promises to unleash some intense paranormal energy when the movie hits theaters.
Fans who have previewed Haunted Mansion highlight that it maintains the light-hearted spirit of the Eddie Murphy-led 2003 film, while still delivering some creepy set pieces and jump scares.
Early reactions call LaKeith Stanfield’s scene-stealing performance as a quirky psychic hired to rid the mansion of its spirits a particular highlight. The movie centers around a family that moves into a foreboding estate, only to discover it’s inhabited by an array of ghosts, ghouls and Disney Easter eggs galore.
The film promises the perfect blend of humor, chills and heart. And early buzz suggests Haunted Mansion will draw in viewers of all ages when it hits theaters on July 28.
Disney Parks fans will also be thrilled to see several ride callbacks woven throughout the adventure.
Most reviews indicate writer Katie Dippold struck the right balance between laugh-out-loud humor and creepier elements, while tackling poignant themes of grief as well. “[It rides] a fine line between humor/horror,” tweeted critic Shannon McGrew.
‘Haunted Mansion’ premiere thrills despite strike
Disney pulled out all the ghostly stops at the “Haunted Mansion” premiere, even as massive Hollywood strikes threatened to cast a shadow over the event. It was held at Disney’s D23 Expo last Saturday, bringing a deluge of Disney magic to life.
Red carpet photos revealed an array of Disney characters and theme park performers replacing much of the film’s cast. This was due to the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA, which advise actors to skip events and premieres in solidarity.
Crossing the picket line could have spawned some very bad PR for any celebs who attended. But the studio conjured up some supernatural fun instead, with Mickey Mouse, Maleficent and other Disney icons storming the red carpet.
Jamie Lee Curtis was one of the only stars who made an appearance, walking the purple carpet in full costume and character as Madame Leota. Her presence electrified the audience and set the internet ablaze, proving the new Haunted Mansion will be far from dead on arrival when it debuts later this month.
Disney likely hopes the otherworldly ensemble and early critical buzz will lift a production that has contended with its fair share of challenges. Yet against the odds, “Haunted Mansion” seems primed to draw huge crowds and potentially exorcise the studio’s box office demons after expensive misfires like “Lightyear” and “West Side Story.”
Early praise suggests a frightfully good time
The stellar early reception for “Haunted Mansion” is surely a massive relief to Disney executives. With the film hitting theaters July 28, they seem to have conjured up a new franchise that will thrill ride fans and general audiences alike.
Between the star-studded cast, visually stunning effects, crowd-pleasing comedy and creepy supernatural elements, Haunted Mansion has all the ingredients of a box office winner.
Most importantly, it appears the movie will stay true to the spirit of the iconic Disney Parks attraction, while expanding the concept into an imaginative, delightful on-screen world.
Jamie Lee Curtis’ wicked appearance as the ghostly psychic Madame Leota is already generating huge buzz online. And with Halloween right around the corner after the film’s release, Haunted Mansion is strategically positioned to draw thrillseekers to theaters.
Of course, the ultimate verdict relies on sustained audience reactions once the movie debuts widely. But the overwhelmingly positive early response indicates Disney may have saved one of its most high-profile titles from box office damnation after a rocky year.
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