Pretty big news out of Variety today...

I quote from the source:

Disney rides 'Haunted' pic
Adaptation a third derived from a theme park ride
By CHARLES LYONS, CATHY DUNKLEY

Continuing a trend of focusing on Disney-branded content, the Walt Disney Co. has greenlit its third feature film derived from a Disney theme park ride. The studio will make the David Berenbaum-penned script, inspired by "Haunted Mansion," with Disney-based Andrew Gunn producing. Mouse House hopes to turn the pic into an event franchise.

Disney's "The Country Bears," based on the Country Bear Jamboree ride, will reach theaters July 26; the studio recently greenlit ride-based "Pirates of the Caribbean" with Jerry Bruckheimer attached to produce.

In "Haunted," a father who has neglected his family encounters a ghost while on a job interview. The vision spooks him into a profound awareness of the importance of his family.

Mouse House execs Mark Vahradian, Brigham Taylor and Louanne Brickhouse will oversee the project.

Berenbaum, repped by WMA and manager John Berg, is part of Disney's writers-in-residence program. He penned "Elf," set up at New Line with Will Ferrell to star. He also is doing a rewrite on "Herbie the Love Bug," which Disney is making with Bob Simonds producing.

Date in print: Fri., Jan. 11, 2002

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