This summer, Disney is taking its second stab at bringing the magic of its iconic Haunted Mansion ride to the big screen. The 2003 version starring Eddie Murphy wasn’t received well by critics or fans, and didn’t launch a new film franchise like Pirates of the Caribbean did earlier that same year. There’s a lot of hope around this new take ahead of its release, that director Justin Simien and writer Katie Dippold have found a way to bring the thrills of the ride to life in their movie.
Disney’s Haunted Mansion isn’t hitting theaters for another week and a half, but the first reactions have started surfacing online, as some critics and members of the press screened it early. Following the premiere this weekend, those reactions arrived on social media and were mostly very positive.
Many who saw it have praised how much the film connects to the iconic ride that it’s based on. There’s been a lot of talk about Easter eggs from the attraction and Simien’s movie capturing the Haunted Mansion spirit. People have also praised Dippold’s script and the performances from the all-star cast.
You can check out some of the early Haunted Mansion reactions below!
Did not expect #HauntedMansion to be a study of loss and grief, but Justin Simien delivers the better adaptation of the beloved ride through his storytelling. Lots of laughs and plenty of jumps. Kris Bowers’ score is a delight, top notch production design. Fab cast pic.twitter.com/GK4TwsdHB0
I’m still gathering my thoughts on #HauntedMansion but I will say this, the amount of heart it has couldn’t have been achieved without the writing of Katie Dippold. She weaves together a story that tackles death/grief in a palpate way while riding a fine line btwn humor/horror. pic.twitter.com/hgaLAIS5hK
Grim grinning ghosts a’plenty in #hauntedmansion This movie is surprisingly creepy, consistently funny, and also emotionally rich. Performances are great (DANNY DEVITO!) & if you love the ride– Justin Simien & Katie Dippold are obviously huge fans and they made it fun for us ?
I got to watch the #HauntedMansion (before the strike).
It’s a love letter to the iconic Disney ride & a family friendly thriller. The cast, led by LaKeith Stanfield, is outstanding & hilarious. Full of fun cameos, references to the ride & a healthy dose of jump scares. pic.twitter.com/rj92ujOMU7
Happy to report #HauntedMansion is one of those family films that will spook kids, make adults laugh (a lot), and fans of the ride will keep pointing at the screen because it’s loaded with Easter eggs. Director Justin Simien & screenwriter Katie Dippold did great work. pic.twitter.com/07MfbUUCFC
#HauntedMansion is a ton of fun — so much so that I’m ready to go back already! pic.twitter.com/UVL5yTGcNi
#HauntedMansion was entertaining, filled with one-liners & quirky jokes. The first act was a bit slow but speeds up in the 2nd&3rd to a good pace. Good scares for kids. Disney fans will love the Easter eggs. Tries a little too hard to be deep, but it’s still fun to watch.
Initial thoughts on #HauntedMansion before full review closer to its release. What a fun movie that is written with love for the attraction. Fans of the attraction will love this movie. We sure did! #999ghosts #dapsmagic pic.twitter.com/i4NZMUsj6q
