Filmmaker Justin Simien Brings Disney’s Haunted Mansion to the Big Screen

A Childhood Fascination Turns into a Directing Opportunity

The filmmaker Justin Simien was captivated by the Haunted Mansion long before he realized it. As a young boy, he was a devoted fan of the Disney attraction and marveled at its secrets. “I vividly remember riding this attraction over and over again, wondering how they created such an immersive experience,” Simien recalled. It was during his time in film school that he realized the artistry behind it all. “This is cinema in its purest form,” he thought. “It’s production design, smoke and mirrors, lighting, music, and sound.”

From Fan to Director of “Haunted Mansion”

Today, Simien is the director of the movie adaptation of “Haunted Mansion,” which transforms the beloved ride into a family-friendly mystery with an unexpected cast. The film features stars such as LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Simien admitted to being nervous about working with such renowned actors. “You don’t really get to meet them before agreeing to work together,” he confessed. However, the experience turned out to be a joyous ensemble effort. “We had so many fantastic buddy comedy mash-ups on set,” Simien shared. “I particularly loved seeing LaKeith and Danny DeVito embark on a couple of road trips together.”

From “Dear White People” to “Haunted Mansion”

Simien gained recognition with his debut feature “Dear White People” (2014), a satirical comedy that premiered at Sundance. He later adapted it into a Netflix series. Additionally, he directed the campy horror film “Bad Hair” (2020). While his selection as the director for a Disney film may seem unconventional, Simien’s personal connection to the script played a significant role. The screenplay, written by Katie Dippold, resonated with him as a heartwarming comedy that subtly explores themes of familial grief. “My father passed away when I was six,” Simien shared. “This longing for a father figure has always influenced my work.”

A Reflective Conversation with Justin Simien

In a phone interview from London, where Simien was on a solo promotional tour due to the ongoing Hollywood strike, he shared insights on various topics. The absence of his star-studded cast in the film’s marketing campaigns is believed to have impacted its box office performance. However, Simien also highlighted the positive aspects of this challenging time in the industry. “We’re having profound conversations that were previously impossible due to busyness,” he stated. These discussions not only revolve around labor issues but also touch upon larger entertainment industry dynamics. One particular area of focus is the representation of diverse storytellers and the compromises they often face. Simien expressed a desire for change and finding ways to overcome these obstacles.

Memories of the Haunted Mansion Ride

Simien cherished childhood memories of experiencing the Haunted Mansion ride with his mother. It left a lasting impression on him, despite understanding it was a clever illusion. “There was a sense of physicality and authenticity to that fantastical world,” Simien remarked. When the movie production began, Simien and the team took a special walk-through of the ride. With all the lights turned on, they explored every detail and gained a newfound appreciation for the intricacies that enhance the ride’s overall experience. Simien discovered subtle nuances, like the drinking ghosts in the graveyard, that added a touch of mischief and subversion.

Choosing LaKeith Stanfield as the Hero

Set in New Orleans, the film’s location influenced Simien’s decision to cast LaKeith Stanfield as the lead character. Simien recognized the deep connection between the city’s culture, jazz music, vibrant atmosphere, and its significant role in Black history. “Without a Black lead, this movie wouldn’t do justice to the richness and diversity of New Orleans,” Simien emphasized. Stanfield’s previous work in horror social commentary films like “Get Out” and absurdist comedy series like “Atlanta” made him the perfect choice. Simien believed Stanfield possessed the qualities of a leading male and saw the role as an opportunity to present a man exploring his emotions, something rarely seen in mainstream films. This portrayal also offers a unique narrative of a Black man becoming a father figure to a Black child, a representation that Simien deemed radical.

Making Personal Struggles an Asset

The process of making this movie provided Simien with a means to confront and navigate his personal challenges. Simien described it as a difficult period, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and the superficial response to racial reckoning. As a filmmaker, Simien was determined to continue creating despite the pain he experienced. He observed that his experiences differed from those of his peers, especially at the intersection of race, sexuality, and politics. These aspects were not typically discussed in promotional or pitching scenarios, further complicating his journey. The movie became a cathartic outlet for Simien, allowing him to explore his own experiences with fatherhood and the absence of a father figure in his life.

Practical Effects versus CGI

One distinct choice Simien made was to predominantly use practical effects instead of relying heavily on CGI. The Haunted Mansion ride has a long history of utilizing classic cinematic techniques, and Simien wanted to capture that essence in the movie. Having physical ghosts on set created a more visceral and authentic experience for both the actors and the audience. While it presented its own set of challenges, such as maneuvering actors like Tiffany Haddish and Danny DeVito at high speeds, the result was worth it. Simien recalled that the actors genuinely felt fear during certain scenes, highlighting the effectiveness of the practical effects.

The Struggles of Promoting Alone

Simien expressed mixed emotions about promoting the film alone, without the presence of his cast who were unable to participate due to the Hollywood strike. He described feeling torn between his role as a director within the system he sought to challenge. Simien shed light on the precariousness of a career in Hollywood and the multitude of jobs one must undertake. The pressure to maintain an illusion of success to secure future projects and the reality of financial constraints created additional challenges. Simien emphasized the compounded difficulties faced by individuals from marginalized communities, who are often the first to be impacted in times of adversity. Despite these struggles, Simien expressed optimism for a positive change, fueled by the anger and determination within the industry.