Filmmaker Justin Simien’s fascination with the Haunted Mansion began in his childhood when he was a regular visitor to the Disney attraction. The experience of riding the attraction repeatedly sparked a curiosity in him about the behind-the-scenes elements that brought the ride to life. During his time in film school, Simien recognized that the Haunted Mansion was a masterwork of cinema, a perfect blend of production design, special effects, lighting, music, and sound.
Fast forward to the present, Simien is now the director of the movie adaptation of the Haunted Mansion. This new take on the classic ride transforms it into a family-friendly mystery, featuring a surprising ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Initially nervous about working with such big stars without having met them beforehand, Simien found that the cast’s chemistry created an exciting dynamic on set. He particularly enjoyed envisioning LaKeith and Danny DeVito going on amusing road trips together.
Simien’s journey in the film industry began with his first feature, “Dear White People,” which gained acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. This success led to a Netflix series and the opportunity to direct the horror film “Bad Hair” in 2020. While Simien may have seemed like an unconventional choice for a Disney film, his personal connection to the script and affinity for Disneyland, where he had previously worked, made him uniquely qualified.
The loss of Simien’s father at a young age influenced his work and fueled his exploration of the longing for a father figure. It was this emotional resonance that drew him to the genial comedy with an undercurrent of familial grief in the Haunted Mansion script penned by Katie Dippold, known for her work on “Ghostbusters” in 2016.
In a recent phone interview from London, where he was promoting the movie alone due to the Hollywood strike, Simien shared his thoughts on the current state of the entertainment industry. He noted that the lack of star power in the promotional campaign may have impacted the film’s box office performance. As a member of the Writers Guild, Simien expressed his desire to return to the picket line and engage in conversations about labor issues and the representation of diverse storytellers in the industry.
The conversation also delved into Simien’s childhood memories of the Haunted Mansion ride, his choice of LaKeith as the film’s lead, and the movie’s thematic significance in exploring grief and family dynamics. Simien revealed that making the film served as a cathartic experience for him personally, allowing him to process his own experiences and feelings.
In bringing the Haunted Mansion to life on the big screen, Simien opted for practical effects instead of relying heavily on CGI. This decision allowed for tangible ghosts on set and enhanced the performances of the actors. Simien shared that even the seasoned talents like Tiffany Haddish and Danny DeVito had moments of genuine fear during the filming process.
Despite being alone on the promotional tour, Simien admitted feeling torn between his current responsibilities as a director and his commitment to the ongoing strike. He highlighted the challenges of working in Hollywood, particularly for marginalized communities, and emphasized the need for change and fair treatment within the industry.
While uncertain about the future, Simien expressed hope that positive change would arise from the current wave of anger and commitment among those fighting for equality and representation. He believes that a shift is coming, though the exact form it will take remains unknown.
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