The Bigger Picture
Haunted Mansion may have stumbled out of the gate, but it’s now inching dangerously close to the coveted $100 million mark worldwide. This could potentially offset Disney’s early gamble on releasing the movie sooner than maybe they should have. Disney’s summer has been a rollercoaster of wins and losses, highlighted by titles such as “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” However, the House of Mouse is prepping for a powerhouse end-of-year lineup with the impending releases of “The Marvels” and “Wish.”
When the curtain first rose on Haunted Mansion, it mustered a meager $24 million domestically. Considering its reportedly hefty budget, this didn’t bode well for Disney’s ROI (Return on Investment). Yet, the entertainment behemoth has managed to pull off some surprises with triumphs like “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” and the unexpected resurgence of “Elemental.” But this summer has been a mixed bag, thanks to other somewhat underperforming releases like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and, of course, “Haunted Mansion.” Now, as the summer cinematic season nears its final act, Disney is prepping for a blockbuster finale with “The Marvels” and “Wish” waiting in the wings.
Inside the Mansion of Horrors
In Justin Simien’s eerie retelling, Rosario Dawson’s Gabbie is a widow searching for a fresh start for herself and her son, following the heartbreaking demise of her husband prior to the movie’s timeline. She thinks she’s hit the jackpot when she discovers an incredibly affordable home in New Orleans. But, plot twist! The mansion turns out to be the not-so-vacant residence of an array of creepy spirits. In a situation that would make even the Ghostbusters think twice, Gabbie realizes that tackling this ethereal problem solo isn’t an option, so she begins assembling an eclectic paranormal A-team.
Not Your Average Ghost Chasers
First on Gabbie’s paranormal posse list is Kent, played by Owen Wilson. Though he masquerades as a man of the cloth to monetize his skills, he’s actually a genuinely decent and magnetic guy. He’s so convincing, in fact, that he becomes instrumental in recruiting Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), a widower who’s seen better days. Initially skeptical of Gabbie’s claims of a cursed home, Ben becomes a believer when those same ghosts make a house call to his own abode. That’s when Ben knows it’s game on, and gears up to go head-to-head with the nefarious Hat Box Ghost, portrayed by Jared Leto.
Want to hear more about how Simien brought this hauntingly original vision to life? Check out FilmSweep’s exclusive interview with the director below.
And there you have it, folks! Whether or not “Haunted Mansion” will cross that magical $100 million mark remains a question, but one thing’s for sure: This is one haunted house story with a lot more than creaky floors and eerie moans. It’s got a multi-million dollar question hanging over it, and that’s perhaps the most haunting thing of all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Haunted Mansion Box Office
What is the current global box office standing for “Haunted Mansion”?
The movie “Haunted Mansion” is nearing the $100 million mark on a global scale. Despite a slow start, the film seems to be gaining traction, which could mitigate the studio’s early release concerns.
Who are the main characters in “Haunted Mansion”?
The main characters in the film include Gabbie, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, who is a widow looking for a fresh start. She is joined by Kent, played by Owen Wilson, a man pretending to be a priest, and Ben, portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield, a widower who must confront a ghostly entity known as the Hat Box Ghost, played by Jared Leto.
How did “Haunted Mansion” perform during its domestic opening?
“Haunted Mansion” had a rocky domestic opening, garnering only $24 million. Given its substantial budget, this initial figure posed challenges for Disney’s return on investment.
What other movies has Disney released this summer?
Disney has had a mixed summer, releasing titles like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” However, they also found success with “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” and experienced an unexpected comeback with “Elemental.”
What are Disney’s plans for the end of the year?
Disney is aiming to make a splash later in the year with the release of “The Marvels” and “Wish.” These films are part of Disney’s strategy to end the year on a high note, following a somewhat unpredictable summer season.
What is the plot of “Haunted Mansion”?
Gabbie, a widow, is looking for a new home for herself and her son. She stumbles upon an affordable house in New Orleans, only to find out it’s inhabited by ghosts. Gabbie then assembles a quirky team to tackle this paranormal issue.
What makes “Haunted Mansion” different from other ghost movies?
The film doesn’t follow the typical ghost-hunting narrative. It features an ensemble cast of flawed but endearing characters, including a man pretending to be a priest and a widower who has lost his zest for life, all teaming up to deal with a common, ghostly threat.
Is there any additional content available about the movie?
Yes, an exclusive interview with the director Justin Simien is available through FilmSweep, offering deeper insights into the making of this hauntingly original film.
More about Haunted Mansion Box Office
- Haunted Mansion Official Trailer
- Disney’s Summer Box Office Analysis
- Justin Simien’s Exclusive Interview with FilmSweep
- The Marvels Upcoming Release
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 Success Story
- Inside Look at Elemental’s Comeback
- Rosario Dawson’s Career Highlights
- Who is LaKeith Stanfield?
- Owen Wilson’s Filmography
- Jared Leto’s Notable Roles
9 comments
$24 mil on opening ain’t great but the fact that it’s nearing 100 globally? Good for them. Hope the Marvels smashes it tho, Disney needs a big win.
I think the real haunting thing here is how close they are to the 100 mil mark lol. Will they or won’t they? Suspense is killing me.
Dude, Haunted Mansion gettin close to 100 mil? Thats sick, especially after that slow start. Shows you can never really count out Disney, huh?
Look, as long as its not a reboot of a classic, I’m interested. These days its all sequels and reboots. This feels fresh.
Gabbie forming her own quirky ‘ghostbusters’? Sounds like a refreshing take on the whole ghost-hunting trope. But honestly, I’m here for Owen Wilson, that guy’s a riot!
Wow didn’t expect Haunted Mansion to be so deep. Thought it was gonna be another gimmick movie, but the characters sound kinda cool.
honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this film, but it seems like it might be more than just a one-trick pony. Gonna have to check this one out for myself.
Wait, is that LaKeith Stanfield playing a widower who fights ghosts? Man, that guy’s range is crazy, he’s done it all from Get Out to Knives Out and now ghost bustin’!
Anyone else here just to see how Jared Leto plays a ghost? I mean, the guy was the Joker, how crazy is this gonna get?