Haunted Mansion Director Reveals The Other Disney Ride He Wants To Adapt Into A Movie (& It’s A Deep Cut)-TGN

Summary

• Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien wants to bring the decommissioned Captain EO attraction to the big screen, showcasing his ability to tap into the best aspects of Disney rides.

• Simien’s adaptation of Haunted Mansion includes haunted Easter eggs and explores themes of grief with an impressive ensemble cast.

• Captain EO would be a unique opportunity for Simien to tap into nostalgia and build upon the world, characters, and story introduced in the original short film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and written by George Lucas.

Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien reveals that the next Disney attraction-inspired movie he wants to tackle is Captain EO. Simien brings the Disney attraction to life on the big screen with haunted Easter eggs and fan favorite ghosts while also examining grief with an impressive ensemble cast. His ability to tap into some of the best aspects of the ride and bring them to life in a new way could lend itself well to other movies based on Disney’s countless attractions.

During San Diego Comic-Con, Screen Rant spoke with Simien about directing Haunted Mansion. He discusses the adaptation process from ride to movie in Haunted Mansion. Simien also reveals that he would love to bring the decommissioned Captain EO attraction to the big screen next. Check out Simien’s full quote below:

Could A Captain EO Movie Work?

Disney has a long history of adapting its attractions for the big screen, with Pirates of the Caribbean spawning a whole franchise. Although it no longer exists, Captain EO was at Disneyland from 1986 to 1997 and Epcot from 1986 to 1994. The attraction featured Michael Jackson as the star of a 3D sci-fi musical short film that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and written by George Lucas, Rusty Lemorande, and Coppola. The short film follows Captain EO and his crew on their spaceship as they go on a mission to save a planet from The Supreme Leader.

Related: The 7 Best Disney Movies Based On Rides That Aren’t Pirates Of The Caribbean, Ranked By Letterboxd

Part of what is so fun about many of these movies, including Haunted Mansion, is the incorporation of Easter eggs from the rides for fans to enjoy. Captain EO would be unique because the ride is no longer at either of the theme parks. This would mean that Simien could tap into nostalgia instead of relying on direct Easter eggs. Captain EO would be the perfect opportunity to build on the foundation laid by great creators like Lucas and Coppola.

The best Disney attraction movie adaptations look at the ride as a starting point, inspiring a deeper story that goes beyond the ride itself. Captain EO could do exactly that by fleshing out the world, characters, and story that were introduced in the short film. Simien proved he can bring a new perspective to a Disney attraction while capturing the heart of what people love with Haunted Mansion, and he could do this with Captain EO if given the chance as well.