Disney’s all about the sequels and remakes, and even if fans don’t approve of remaking Walt Disney’s classic feature-length animated films, many can go along with an upgrade to Disney’s 2003 Haunted Mansion starring Eddie Murphy.
To that end, the House of Mouse has in the works a new version of the spooky film inspired by the Disney Parks “doom buggy” attraction, and it’s set for a theatrical release on March 10, 2023. The new film will star some well-known actors, not the least of whom was just announced over the weekend.
According to One Take News, the part of Madame Leota has finally been cast in the new Haunted Mansion film, and the actress who will portray the famous Haunted Mansion medium is not new to the idea of spooky and eerie movies.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis got her Hollywood start in 1978 when she starred in the horror film Halloween, and now she’s been cast as Madame Leota in Disney’s Haunted Mansion. What first sounded like a possible rumor about the actress has now been confirmed on her Instagram account.
Justin Simien is directing the new live-action film that was originally inspired by one of the most popular attractions at Disney World and Disneyland Resort–the Haunted Mansion, which is reportedly home to 999 happy haunts. (But there’s always room for one more; any volunteers?)
Curtis joins a star-studded cast that includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, and Danny DeVito.
The exciting new Haunted Mansion film features a different storyline than its predecessor, according to Disney:
“In this mysterious adventure, a doctor (Dawson) and her 9-year-old son (Chase Dillon), looking to start a new life, move into a strangely affordable mansion in New Orleans, only to discover that the place is much more than they bargained for. Desperate for help, they contact a priest (Wilson), who, in turn, enlists the aid of a widowed scientist-turned failed-paranormal expert (Stanfield), a French Quarter psychic (Haddish) and a crotchety historian (DeVito).”
Recently, Disney announced that Jared Leto will play the role of the Hatbox Ghost in the new film, and Katie Dippold is writing the script for the new Haunted Mansion flick from Disney.