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.
This past August is was reported that Jim Whitaker would produce 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.
According to Deadline, they’re officially moving forward with August’s outline, which will serve as the basis for the feature.
The premise of the ride, and allegedly the pitch, five people in a posh hotel take an elevator and disappear after it is hit by lightning. It was reported in August 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.
