Guillermo Del Toro made the shock announcement at Comic-Con that he’s set to produce, write, and possibly direct Disney’s Haunted Mansion film project.
Del Toro and Disney moderator Patton Oswalt revealed the details about the new 3D project following the Tron: Legacy panel earlier today.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter earlier, Del Toro said, “It’s going to be a thrill ride for the whole family but it’s definitely going to be scary,” he said. “(Walt) Disney is one of the creators of some of the scariest images in my childhood. People forget that he not only made sweet images but also images of nightmare. We need to honor that side of the legacy.”
The film will reportedly focus on the Hatbox Ghost, while exploring the mythology of the Haunted House itself.
It’s certainly a different project for Del Toro but, with a blend of horror and family elements, it could be a project that opens Del Toro’s work up to a whole new demographic, while keeping die hard fans’ attention. It’ll be interesting to see whether he ends up directing this himself, or, like he did with Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, let one of his protégé’s take the reins under his watchful eye.
I’ve included an image below of how the Hatbox Ghost looks, courtesy of Shocktillyoudrop:
