Disney is taking a second shot at The Haunted Mansion, a Disney Parks attraction that was adapted into an Eddy Murphy family comedy back in 2003. Guillermo Del Toro is currently attached to the project as a writer/producer, but it is suggested that he might direct, as well.

“Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”

The remake will center on the Hatbox Ghost, a ghoulish figure that holds a hatbox containing a head. The character was removed shortly after the attraction made its debut in the late 60s due to lighting issues. Despite its short-lived appearance, the Hatbox Ghost has remained as a prominent figure in the ride’s marketing. He appeared on several souvenir records and, from time to time, has served as an “official spokesperson” for a few Disney events, such as Haunted Holidays.

In Coming Soon’s article, Del Toro talks about the tone of the project.

“We are not returning Eddie Murphy’s calls,” del Toro said, making a surprise appearance onstage, “…and we are not making it a comedy… We are making it scary and fun, but the scary will be scary.”

“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy. After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters – think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,” said del Toro. “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world!”

Over 15 years ago, I visited Disneyworld’s version of The Haunted Mansion. As a kid, it is spooky fun, but I couldn’t really tell you how it would appeal to me today. If the film has a similar tone to some of Disney’s live action films from the 80s, such as Something Wicked This Way Comes, the result will be a spooky ghost tale with a broader appeal than a juvenile camp fest (like the original Eddie Murphy film) or an R rated hack-n-slash film.