“We kidnapped, we told her she was shooting Beetlejuice 2”: Winona Ryder Was Magical in Disney’s Box Office Disaster ‘Haunted Mansion’
Winona Ryder, the versatile American actress, has fearlessly embraced a multitude of unconventional roles, solidifying her position and outshining her peers in the entertainment industry. Her commitment to pushing boundaries has not only showcased her immense acting prowess but has also allowed her to transcend the confines of mainstream Hollywood.
From her iconic portrayal of the enigmatic and troubled Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice to her captivating transformation into the tormented Mina Harker in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Ryder’s willingness to delve into the realm of the peculiar has consistently captivated audiences and critics alike.
Beetlejuice 2 has been marked on the calendar for a thrilling end to summer in 2024, although the specter of Hollywood strikes might cast a shadow over this timing. The prospect of Winona Ryder’s triumphant return to her celebrated Beetlejuice role, alongside the enigmatic Michael Keaton, fuels excitement for this much-anticipated sequel. While we eagerly await Beetlejuice 2, Winona Ryder’s presence in the impending film Haunted Mansion offers a spectral delight to tide us over. Ryder’s involvement assures an engaging performance that keeps the ethereal excitement alive.
Winona Ryder’s Unexpected Haunted Mansion Cameo
Haunted Mansion draws its inspiration from the renowned Disneyland ride of identical nomenclature, weaving recognizable facets from the theme park attraction into the cinematic narrative. Notably, this film marks the second instance of a theatrical adaptation stemming from the ride, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Haunted Mansion. The Haunted Mansion movie director chatted about Winona Ryder being part of the new Disney movie. When reporters asked about Winona Ryder being in the movie, the director made a joke. He kind of fooled her and she believed him for a little while before figuring out the truth.
Also Read: Beetlejuice 2 Release Date and Cast: Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Michael Keaton, and More
“We kidnapped her. We told her that she was shooting Beetlejuice 2, and she just went with it for a while until she caught on. We were shooting for quite a while, so she had time to rest up and regroup [from Stranger Things 4] and then join us.”
Although, Ryder was their top choice from the start. The casting director, Carmen Cuba, the director, and the studio all liked the idea of including familiar faces in cameo roles, and it felt entirely appropriate for her to assume the role of the tour guide at the film’s conclusion. Ryder’s portrayal was both charmingly odd and humorous, infusing a truly enchanting quality into the project.
Also Read: Michael Keaton Gives a Spoiler About His Reunion With Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice 2
The Enchanting Role of Winona Ryder in Haunted Mansion
Winona Ryder makes an appearance in the ensemble of characters within Haunted Mansion when Ben and Father Kent venture into Alistair Crump’s mansion in pursuit of his prized top hat. Within the mansion’s premises, a guided tour is in progress, spearheaded by none other than Ryder herself. Her character adds a touch of humor, adeptly deflecting Ben’s inquiries regarding the authenticity of various elements. This role follows a trend in Ryder’s career, aligning with her involvement in other horror-themed projects. Notably, her performance in Haunted Mansion evokes fond memories of her iconic role in Beetlejuice, evoking a heightened desire for the much-anticipated Beetlejuice 2 among viewers. The director said,
“She was just so delightfully weird and funny in her performance, and it was a super magical time having her on this project,”
Adding an intriguing touch of unexpected delight is Winona Ryder, who makes a minor yet pleasantly surprising appearance. Given her familiarity with the gothic realm, Ryder effortlessly steps into the role of a tour guide named Pat in the new movie. While her contribution may be confined to a brief cameo, it’s a role that perfectly aligns with her affinity for the eerie and mysterious. In essence, her presence feels predestined, further enhancing the movie’s allure and nodding to her well-established connection with the gothic subgenre.
Haunted Mansion is already released in theaters. Beetlejuice 2 will be released on September 6, 2024.
Source: The Digital Fix
