The Haunted Mansion's Mysterious Hatbox Ghost Coming Back to Disneyland
Yesterday, word got out that Guillermo del Toro was in talks with Ryan Gosling to join Disney's Haunted Mansion movie. It is said that the movie will have a main focus on a the Hatbox Ghost, which has become a legend at the theme park.
The ghostly apparition appeared on the Haunted Mansion attraction on opening day, but then mysteriously disappeared shortly after. There's a rumor that the reason it was removed was because it was too scary, but that's not the reason at all. They just couldn't get the damn thing to work properly. The character is described as “an elderly ghost in a cloak and top hat, leaning on a cane with a wavering hand and clutching a hatbox in the other.” There was an effect they tried to pull off in which his head disappear and then reappear inside the hatbox he was holding.
For all of you Disneyland fans out there, you'll be happy to hear that Disney has confirmed that they will be bring the Hatbox Ghost back to his home starting in May. The image above is a promotional image that they released.
Here's a little history on why the Hatbox Ghost was removed:
The Hatbox Ghost was installed inside The Haunted Mansion and in place for cast member (park employee) previews on the nights of August 7 and 8, 1969. Almost immediately, it became apparent that the effect had failed, as ambient light in the attraction’s attic scene prevented the specter’s face from disappearing fully, despite the turning off of its designated spotlight. Attempts were made to remedy technical problems, but the effect wasn’t convincing enough, and the ghost was decommissioned after a few months. … While it is unknown what became of The Hatbox Ghost, there are speculations as to his fate. … Because the Hatbox Ghost featured prominently in artwork and narration for popular Haunted Mansion record albums sold for many years at Disney parks, and because Disney continues to market the ghost’s image, he has never been forgotten and has become somewhat of a legend, complete with cult following. Many fans of the ride wish to see him returned and have gone so far as to circulate petitions calling for the figure’s restoration.
The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides at Disneyland, and it will be cool to see the Hatbox Ghost reappear.