Helmer Justin Simien believes that Disney’s Haunted Mansion can get a future sequel if the upcoming film emerges as a box-office success.
In his recent interview with ComicBook, Simien revealed that the film’s conclusion could lay the foundation for a follow-up. Though, Disney is yet to greenlight the sequel officially. This is what the director said about the film’s climax:
“It definitely leaves a door open for more and for other spaces where, you know, ghosts might materialize.”
The prominent spooky ride attraction inspires Haunted Mansion and revolves around the mother-son duo of Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and Travis (Chase W. Dillon). They move into a mansion without knowing that it is haunted. To take care of the petrifying ghouls and ghosts inside the mansion, they hire a tour guide and paranormal investigator, Ben (LaKeith Stanfield). They also receive the help of a priest (Owen Wilson), a historian (Danny DeVito), and a psychic (Tiffany Haddish).
The odds of Haunted Mansion turning out a financial success are dim, considering the ongoing trend of big-budget movies flopping at the global box office. Some of the recent big-budget releases, like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, The Flash, Elemental, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny have tanked at the box office. Even the critically acclaimed Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is struggling right now. So far, the film has managed to earn over $373 million against a humongous budget of $290 million. Its collections dropped nearly 65% in the second week. In addition, the ongoing craze of Barbenheimer has made things hard for the newest Tom Cruise starrer.
Early reactions to Haunted Mansion are mostly mixed. The film has a critic score of 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 63 reviews. In addition, there is very little hype about the film. Also, we cannot forget the ‘Barbenheimer’ fever that has swooped the internet and the majority of theatres in the US and the rest of the world. All things considered, it seems like the film is destined to bomb at the box office.
Haunted Mansion will come out in theatres on July 28. Stay tuned for more updates.