It has been 20 years since the release of the 2003 film “The Haunted Mansion,” and Disney is set to bring back this beloved story based on their iconic Disneyland theme park attraction. With a fresh writing and directing team, “Haunted Mansion” (2023) is all set to provide Disney fans with a new twist on the old tale, while also reviving some of its oldest lore. So, if you’re excited to see your favorite Disney ghosts, specters, and caretakers come to life, let us be your ghost host as we take you on a little tour of the cast and characters of “Haunted Mansion.”

The Plot

The film’s official description sets the stage for the eerie adventure that awaits the audience:

“A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest, and a historian to help exorcise their newly bought mansion; after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts.”

Meet the Cast and Characters

Rosario Dawson as Gabbie

Rosario Dawson takes on the lead role of Gabbie, a single mother who moves with her son Travis to their new mansion, only to find that it is terribly haunted. Dawson has had a prolific acting career, starting from a young age, and she is best known for her roles in projects like “Rent” and as the live-action Ahsoka Tano in “Star Wars: The Mandalorian.”

Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota

The iconic Madame Leota is portrayed by the renowned actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis is widely recognized for her role as Laurie Strode in the “Halloween” film franchise. In “Haunted Mansion,” she brings to life the mysterious clairvoyant palm reader and potion brewer, Madame Leota, who haunts the Séance Room of the mansion.

Owen Wilson as Father Kent

Owen Wilson plays Father Kent, an unusually informal priest tasked with exorcising the ghosts from the mansion. Known for his laid-back comedic style, Wilson’s portrayal is sure to add a unique flavor to the film.

Danny DeVito as Bruce, College History Professor

Danny DeVito takes on the role of smug history professor Bruce, who joins the ranks in dealing with the ghostly infestation of the estate. DeVito’s acting career has been filled with memorable roles, and his portrayal of Bruce is bound to be equally captivating.

Tiffany Haddish as Harriet

Tiffany Haddish plays Harriet, an unfortunate and possibly jinxed psychic hired to communicate with the spirits residing within the mansion’s walls. Haddish’s versatile acting skills are sure to bring depth and humor to this intriguing character.

LaKeith Stanfield as Ben Matthias

LaKeith Stanfield portrays Ben Matthias, a heartbroken ghost tour guide in New Orleans who lost his beloved wife. Stanfield, known for his roles in “Sorry to Bother You” and “Knives Out,” is set to deliver a compelling performance.

Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost / Alastair Crump

Jared Leto takes on the role of The Hatbox Ghost, a ghoul who returns after being removed from the original attraction due to technical issues. Leto’s ability to portray complex characters is well-suited for this terrifying trickster.

Chase Dillon as Travis

Chase Dillon plays Travis, Gabbie’s son, adding a youthful and dynamic element to the cast. Dillon’s acting skills promise to make Travis an essential part of the haunted adventure.

Other Notable Cast Members

The film also features Winona Ryder and Dan Levy as unknown ghosts, along with a host of spirits haunting the mansion, including Chad Crumley, the Duelist; Rick Andosca as the Caretaker Ghost; Bryan McClure as The Beheaded Knight, and Tracy Goode as the ghost of the executioner who took his life. Hasan Minhaj makes a cameo appearance as a police sketch artist.

The Release

“Haunted Mansion” is scheduled to haunt theaters on July 28, 2023. Fans of the classic attraction and newcomers alike are eagerly awaiting this new adaptation that promises to offer a fresh take on the beloved story.

If you’re a fan of Disney’s spooky stories, “Haunted Mansion” (2023) is an upcoming movie you won’t want to miss. With a talented cast and a new twist on the original tale, it’s sure to be a thrilling and entertaining ride through the haunted estate. Get ready to enter the ghostly world of the Haunted Mansion, where the happy haunts are waiting to materialize once again!

Haunted Mansion (2023) Review: A Spooktacular Adventure with a Star-Studded Cast

Introduction

Step right up to Disney’s “Haunted Mansion,” a thrilling and spooky adventure that brings the beloved Disneyland attraction to life once again. This time, with a talented all-star cast and a fresh approach, “Haunted Mansion” is set to captivate audiences of all ages with its scary story and rollicking thrills.

A New Twist on an Old Tale

“Haunted Mansion” is not the first attempt to bring the eerie world of the Disneyland ride to the big screen. In 2003, “The Haunted Mansion” was adapted into a clunky action-comedy starring Eddie Murphy. However, the 2023 version takes a different path, featuring a more talented cast and an experienced team behind the scenes, led by director Justin Simien and screenwriter Katie Dippold.

The All-Star Cast

The cast of “Haunted Mansion” reads like a who’s who of Hollywood talent, with LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, Winona Ryder, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto headlining the film. Each actor brings their unique flair to their respective characters, making for a delightful ensemble that keeps the audience engaged throughout the movie.

Unraveling the Mystery

The film follows Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield), a widowed inventor and paranormal tour guide in New Orleans. Disillusioned after years of searching for spirits with no success, Ben is reluctantly drawn into a new mystery when Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), a single mother who just moved into a haunted mansion, seeks his help to rid her home of ghosts. Alongside an excitable professor (Danny DeVito), an overconfident medium (Tiffany Haddish), and a quirky priest (Owen Wilson), Ben embarks on a thrilling adventure to solve the mystery and protect Gabbie and her son Travis (Chase Dillon) from a malevolent spirit.

Bringing the Ride to Life

“Haunted Mansion” successfully brings the iconic Haunted Mansion ride to life on the big screen. The film artfully incorporates familiar elements from the attraction, from moving paintings to the hitchhiking ghosts. It cleverly weaves these elements into the plot, making them integral to the story rather than mere nods to the ride’s legacy.

Standout Performances

LaKeith Stanfield shines as the troubled hero, Ben Matthias. His performance adds depth and intensity to the character, making him a compelling lead for the film. Owen Wilson’s quirky portrayal of Father Kent adds a touch of unpredictability to the story, while Tiffany Haddish brings her signature moxie to the role of the medium. Jamie Lee Curtis also stands out, having a blast playing the theatrical Madame Leota.

Room for Improvement

While “Haunted Mansion” delivers on kid-friendly scares and offers a thrilling ride, some critics find that the film doesn’t fully come together. It may be slightly hurried in its storytelling and may have some uneven moments in the third act. However, overall, it remains an entertaining family adventure.

Final Verdict

Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” (2023) is a spooky and fun-filled movie that does justice to the iconic attraction. With its talented cast, clever incorporation of ride elements, and suspenseful storytelling, it promises an enjoyable cinematic experience for both young and old alike.

“Haunted Mansion” is set to hit theaters on July 28, 2023, and promises to be a must-see for Disney fans seeking some chilling summer fun. So, if you’re ready for a thrilling journey into the realm of ghosts and ghouls, be sure to mark your calendars for this exciting reboot of the classic attraction. Happy haunting!