It's been a couple of years since Guillermo del Toro announced he would be developing a new Haunted Mansion movie for Disney, which will be based on the classic ride. We haven't really heard much about the film over the years, but finally we have an update on what is actually going on with the film, and where it's currently at in the development process. Here's what Del Toro had to say in a recent interview with Collider,
I delivered my last draft five weeks ago. I have a meeting with them in three weeks. I know they like the screenplay. I need to meet with them in three weeks. That’s what I know. I know their reaction to the draft was good. We have a bunch of conceptualist art, but you never know, to predict anything else is hard for me to know.
Del Toro has been involved with a lot of projects that have fallen through over the years, and I hope The Haunted Mansion doesn't end up being one of them. I'm excited to see what his vision of this property would be like! He initally signed on to just write the film, but he goes on to say that he wants to make the movie, and the reason for its delay might be that Disney is just waiting for his schedule to clear up so he can direct it as well.
I still would love to make that movie. I came on board originally as a writer and producer, the decision I think they may be waiting, is for me to say I’m directing the movie. Or am I directing it next, which is too early for me to know what I’m doing next in live-action. I’m in the middle of Pacific Rim and I don’t know what I’m going to do next.