It’s been almost a decade since Guillermo Del Toro teased crowds at San Diego Comic Con with a trailer that opened the gates of Gracey Manor and began haunting the dreams of all real Haunted Mansion fans. You see, once upon a time Mr. Del Toro who is now an Oscar winning director for his movie, The Shape of Water, was putting together the beginning storyline of a movie based on one of the most beloved attractions featured at Disney parks worldwide. As I said, it’s been almost a decade, roughly 8 years to be precise, but where is the movie? Why haven’t we gotten our glimpse into the wonderful world of 999 Happy Haunts?
Well Main Streeters, there is a perfectly good explanation for the delay, and here is what we’ve learned so far:
- The screenplay for the movie has been submitted to Disney, and it appears that it was well received.
- Del Toro who originally was said to be directing the film, will only take credit for co-writing the screenplay. This could be because he just inked a huge deal with Fox Searchlight and if you keep up with Disney’s power play moves, Disney recently acquired Fox Searchlight, making this Haunted Mansion idea finally feasible.
- The movie is centered around one of the most interesting and elusive haunts, The Hatbox Ghost. When you have that big of a Disney icon integral to the story of the Haunted Mansion and that spans the nightmares of generations who have seen him at the Mansion, you absolutely have to cast that role correctly, or you risk ruining the lore.
- Del Toro is aiming for a PG-13 rating, which could exclude a younger audience from watching the movie, which has been highly anticipated by all ages.
Additional reports give some insight into what big ticket actors are in talks to star in the movie, the most notable is a former Mickey Mouse Club member, Ryan Gossling.
Now that the spookiest of all seasons is upon us, and Del Toro has become part of the Disney acquisition family through Fox Searchlight, how much longer do you think we will have to wait until this movie materializes?
Let us know what you think Main Streeters. Would you go watch it? Who do you think should star in it?
Until next week!
Erika is excited to be on the TMSM team and where Disney Parks are concerned, you won’t catch her dead on It’s a Small World. If she asks to ride that, this is a clear indication that she is in danger and you must send help. You will, however, catch her performing Random Acts of Disney (R.A.D’s), park hopping with her amazing group of impressively talented and kind friends (usually in some themed attire), hanging out by The Haunted Mansion, and ugly crying during fireworks… then begging for a Mickey Premium Bar to eat her feelings…this is a judgment-free bio.
Otherwise, Erika works for the State of Florida and is actively involved in her community. Erika believes in empowering others and spreading kindness to people from all walks of life. Erika also makes custom designed Disney inspired ears, etched glass, gifts, and accessories. You can check out, like or follow her work on FB, which also links to my shop’s Instagram: www.facebook.com/imagineering.emporium. She looks forward to getting to know everyone and sharing the magic of Disney!
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