‘Haunted Mansion’ Director Talks Possible Disney Parks Universe
Ever since the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans have clamored for more inter-connected stories.
Following the release of their latest attraction-based movie Haunted Mansion, many fans have wondered if we could see something akin to the Disney Parks Universe.
Following in the footsteps of Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and The Country Bears, Disney’s newest film takes inspiration from a classic Disneyland attraction. So, would Disney consider creating a Disney Parks Universe?
Justin Simien Weighs In
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien admitted that a crossover could be in the cards.
“All of that’s above my paygrade, I’m taking one movie at a time right now,” he began, before discussing the possibility.
“I certainly think it’s there, it’s certainly something I’ve noticed as a fan of these movies, and also of the parks, is that a lot of these worlds can fit side by side, like the crocodiles in Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan and Pirates [of the Caribbean] are kind of similar. You’ve got the mermaids on the Peter Pan [ride too]. There’s a lot of cross-pollination that is certainly possible should the movie gods decide so.”
A Longtime Disneyland Fan
For Simien, creating a film based on the Haunted Mansion was a full-circle moment. The Dear White People director worked as a cast member at Disneyland, where he developed a healthy obsession with the mansion.
“It made me feel really comfortable leaning on the source material because I had an appreciation for it,” he adds of what this helped him bring to the movie. “I had an appreciation for the philosophy that went behind these rides and the way that Walt Disney really leaned on classic, old school production design and sound design, and guiding your eye with lighting effects.”
While Haunted Mansion likely has not fared well enough at the box office to warrant the launch of a Disney Parks universe, fans can dream. Perhaps one day.