Back in 2009 we told you that Disney was utilizing film versions of their popular attractions to bring people into their theme parks. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was a hugely successful test that started a trend. In fact, back in ’09 we exclusively told you they were developing a Tower of Terror film based on the ride that’s in turn based on “The Twilight Zone” series.
Now, this Tracking Board is reporting fresh news, reporting that the project is actively moving forward with a new take and veteran producer Jim Whitaker leading the charge, producing via his Whitaker Entertainment, while Sam Dickerman oversees for Disney.
The take comes from frequent Tim Burton-collaborator John August(!), who’s worked with Burton on Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dark Shadows, and most recently, the animated Frankenweenie.
Though August isn’t scripting, his outline will serve as the basis for the feature, adds the site. Plot details are kept hush, but they’re hearing that the new take is very much in the vein of Burton’s style, presenting a more fun than scary family adventure a la The Goonies or E.T., though retaining the inherent spookiness of the premise and injecting Burton-esque creepiness.
Ever since the gargantuan hit that was Pirates of The Caribbean, Disney has sought to bring many of its famed attractions to the big screen. Despite lackluster follow-ups The Country Bears, The Haunted Mansion (set for its own remake), and Tomorrowland, the studio is still moving forward with adaptations of Magic Kingdom, It’s a Small World After All and Jungle Cruise.
