Part 9/10:
Beyond the numbers and controversy, a significant underlying issue is audience trust. Disney’s brand has taken hits due to a series of missteps, controversial statements from executives, and perceived ideological motives. This erosion of goodwill means that even films with franchise potential can struggle to find a receptive audience.
In the case of Haunted Mansion, skepticism about the film’s cultural angle, combined with general fatigue from recent Disney live-action remakes, has dampened enthusiasm. There is a sense that Disney’s focus on social messaging and identity politics has alienated core fans, making it difficult for new releases to succeed even with the franchise recognition advantage.