Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien wanted to create a Disney movie that would challenge younger audiences, just like the Disney classics of his youth did. He wanted to tackle heavier subject matters and themes, but there was a line that he couldn’t cross. The lead of Simien’s film is LaKeith Stanfield’s character Ben, a former astrophysicist turned paranormal tour guide in New Orleans. Ben’s life has been shattered ever since his wife Alyssa died in a car accident, and originally, the character was supposed to have a devastating ending. However, once LaKeith Stanfield was cast, Simien felt a personal responsibility to give his character hope at the end of the movie.
Simien explains, “Frankly, I didn’t want to see a Black man have a tragic end in a movie like this. I wanted him to have hope at the end of the movie, and a tragic end for a Black character would’ve been really hard to swallow, at least for me right now.” This decision led to the addition of a heartening epilogue which explored the possibility of Ben moving on with Rosario Dawson’s character Gabbie and her son Travis, both of whom had also experienced loss recently.
During the filming process, Simien shot a considerable amount of footage, resulting in a potential four-hour version of the movie that would be impossible for audiences to sit through. Through test screenings and working with the Disney team, they ultimately arrived at the version that ended up in theaters. Simien values test audience feedback greatly, as he believes it helps him create work that resonates with people. He says, “I want my work to hit people in a certain way. So, if I could, I would test all the way through.”
Apart from the movie, Simien also shares a head-turning moment he experienced while riding Disneyland’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction with Rosario Dawson. As for the Haunted Mansion ride, he jokingly mentions that he does not have permanent line-cutting privileges or a golden ticket, although he did have access to FastPass during his college years.
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In casting LaKeith Stanfield as the lead, Simien wanted someone who would bring a different energy to the role. He needed an actor who could portray a character in deep grief and rough around the edges. Stanfield’s ability to captivate audiences through his eyes, regardless of whether they agree or disagree with his character, made him the perfect fit. Simien describes Stanfield as “charming and funny and sexy,” all while having a unique and soulful package.
When asked if he related to Ben the most, Simien admits that he does see himself in the character. The relationship between Ben and Travis, Gabbie’s son, reflects a part of Simien’s psychology. He sees it as a representation of taking care of his inner child while also being open to vulnerability as an adult.
While the movie deals with the theme of letting go, Simien does not consider it personally therapeutic. However, he does mention scheduling therapy sessions to process any emotions that may have arisen during the making of the film. Simien found it exciting to work on a larger scale and tell an emotional story with fewer restraints in terms of budget and time.
The movie presented a delicate balancing act, as it needed to address grief while also opening the door to a potential new family dynamic. Simien acknowledges the difficulty of telling a story about grief within the framework of a family-friendly movie but draws inspiration from classic Disney films. He believes that addressing the challenges of life and providing strength, courage, and a sense of family is essential in resonating with audiences.
In the movie, there are pivotal scenes that set up the potential for a new family between Ben, Gabbie, and Travis. These scenes show Ben’s resistance to opening himself up again, highlighting his fear of experiencing more pain and loss. Simien wanted to explore the possibility of healing and forming new connections, ultimately providing a sense of hope for the characters and the audience.
In conclusion, Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien found a way to challenge younger audiences while respecting the boundaries and sensitivities around the representation of Black characters. Through extensive footage, test screenings, and collaboration with the Disney team, Simien crafted a version of the movie that upheld the Disney tradition of addressing difficult themes while providing hope and strength to its audience.
