Disney’s much-anticipated Haunted Mansion premiere took place with an unexpected twist, as the absence of its talented cast brought in a new wave of excitement. While Tiffany Haddish, LaKeith Stanfield, and Jamie Lee Curtis were noticeably missing from the red carpet, Disney managed to captivate fans with a creative approach that celebrated the film’s producers and characters from the iconic theme park.
The premiere marked the first major Hollywood event taking place amidst the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA. Strike guidelines stipulate that not only on-camera work but also promotional activities, including premieres and interviews, are prohibited during this time. Several studios and streamers have opted to cancel their upcoming events, but Disney courageously chose to press on with the Haunted Mansion premiere.
However, it’s understandable that fans were left feeling perplexed. After all, why would anyone want to see theme park characters taking the spotlight instead of the talented actors? The absence of Haddish, Stanfield, and Curtis was certainly felt, and the peculiar sight of Maleficent, Snow White’s Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil, and Disney’s beloved Mickey and Minnie Mouse gracing the red carpet raised many eyebrows.
Influencers and other guests were treated to exclusive access to the Haunted Mansion attraction, while the producers took the time to pose for photos with fans as the director addressed the press.
The film’s director, Justin Simien, expressed mixed emotions about the unique situation. He shared his pride in the talented cast and writer Katie Dippold, stating that his presence at the premiere was a way to honor their hard work and the words written by Dippold. Simien acknowledged the importance of supporting the reason behind the talent’s absence, and although he couldn’t help but feel sad about their nonattendance, he stepped forward to convey his enthusiasm for the film.
Simien also highlighted the significance of the AI-related issues raised during SAG-AFTRA’s negotiations, emphasizing the importance of finding meaningful solutions.
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