At the annual San Diego Comic-Con, Hell Boy director Guillermo del Toro dropped a bomb. He announced he’ll be at the helm for a Disney 3D remake of The Haunted Mansion.
Along with being a popular staple ride at Disneyland and Disneyworld, a 2003 film starring Eddy Murphy was released to dismal reviews and box office numbers. Since Disney’s first attempt at The Haunted Mansion film was largely unsuccessful as a comedy, the house of mouse has decided to turn to the dark side by bringing del Toro on board.
From the Press Release
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.”
Also, thanks to Dread Central, we have a very rough teaser at the concept art:
For more information on the history of The Haunted Mansion ride from Disney, check out the clip below.
What do you think of del Toro remaking The Haunted Mansion ?