Filmmaker Justin Simien, best known for his work on the Netflix series Dear White People, recently wrapped up the Disney reboot of Haunted Mansion under the guidance of Disney’s Lucasfilm. In an interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, Simien expressed his strong desire to pay homage to the cultural diversity of New Orleans, where the story is set.
A Personal Connection to the Project
Simien emphasized the importance of having a black lead in the film, considering the fact that the story takes place in a city with an 85% black population. He believed it was vital to make the movie “as black as possible” in order to authentically represent New Orleans. Telling an ensemble story was also important to him, as he felt confident in his ability to do so. Luckily, Disney shared his vision and supported him in bringing this project to life.
An Emotionally Intensive Journey
Reflecting on the filmmaking process, Simien admitted that he doesn’t know how to create things that aren’t personal. Making this movie, especially, was a challenging and emotionally exhausting experience that felt like being trapped in a psychological maze. Haunted Mansion became his most time-consuming project to date, spanning over a hundred days of shooting—surpassing the time it took to create a series of Dear White People. However, driven by his personal connection to the story, Simien was motivated to pour his heart and soul into the project.
Celebrating New Orleans’ Rich Culture
Simien also aimed to showcase the rich history and culture of New Orleans, particularly its black heritage, in the film. He highlighted the significance of the city as the birthplace of jazz and home to some of the most incredible cuisine in the country. Additionally, he acknowledged how New Orleans became a vibrant and unique society by blending various cultures, including black, white, indigenous, and Spanish influences.
Haunted Mansion’s Box Office Flop
Despite the director’s dedication to the project, Haunted Mansion failed to capture the interest of audiences during its opening weekend, earning less than $35 million worldwide. Some industry analysts, such as John Nolte from Breitbart, even speculated that Disney could face losses of more than a hundred million dollars from this film.
In conclusion, Justin Simien’s passion for making the Haunted Mansion reboot a celebration of New Orleans’ cultural diversity shines through. While the film’s box office performance may not have met expectations, Simien’s personal commitment to the project remains a driving force in his artistic endeavors.