Director Justin Simien revealed that getting Winona Ryder to make a cameo in the new Disney film, “Haunted Mansion,” was a dream come true. Ryder, known for her roles in darker and mysterious films like “Edward Scissorhands,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Stranger Things,” was someone they wanted from the outset for the cameo role.
“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,” Simien jokingly said when asked about Ryder’s appearance. In reality, it was a mutual decision to have Ryder in the film, and she was the perfect fit for the role of the tour guide at the end of the movie.
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The casting team and the studio were keen on plugging in classic faces in cameo roles, and having Ryder as the tour guide felt just right. Ryder’s versatility and unique style made her a delightful addition to the film. She brought her own brand of weirdness and humor to the performance, making it a super magical experience for everyone involved.
Ryder’s involvement in “Haunted Mansion” is not the only spooky project on her plate. She is also reprising her iconic role as Lydia Deetz in the upcoming sequel to Tim Burton‘s “Beetlejuice.” Joining her in the movie is Jenna Ortega, who plays Lydia’s daughter.
The film “Haunted Mansion,” based on the Disney Parks attraction, features a star-studded cast including Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, LaKeith Stanfield, Danny DeVito, and Tiffany Haddish, with appearances from Jared Leto and Jamie Lee Curtis. The story revolves around a single mother and her son who move into a mysterious New Orleans mansion, only to discover that the house is not what it seems. They seek the help of various characters, including a paranormal tour guide, a psychic, a priest, and a historian.
“Haunted Mansion” is now playing in theaters, giving audiences a chance to enjoy the spooky and delightful performances, including Winona Ryder’s memorable cameo.