The Haunted Mansion 2: The Curse of Blackwood (2026) Review

In the ever-expanding world of supernatural stories, few films have managed to blend humor and horror as seamlessly as The Haunted Mansion (2003). With the announcement of The Haunted Mansion 2: The Curse of Blackwood (2026), fans of the franchise eagerly anticipated a return to the eerie, haunted world that had captivated them over a decade ago. Directed by a new visionary team and bringing back some beloved characters, the film is both a fresh continuation and a heartfelt tribute to its predecessor. With Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Aree Davis, and Marc John Jefferies returning to their iconic roles, the sequel brings new chills, thrills, and laughs, while raising the stakes for the Evers family as they face a terrifying new haunted house—this time in the Scottish highlands.

Returning to the Mansion: A New Nightmare

The Evers family thought they had left the horrors of the haunted mansion behind them. After surviving the terrifying ordeal in the original film, Jim (Eddie Murphy) and his family believed they had seen the last of vengeful spirits, cursed artifacts, and malevolent ghosts. But as fate would have it, the family is thrust back into the world of the paranormal when they inherit a mysterious and cursed Scottish castle—Blackwood Castle. As they take possession of this ancient, crumbling structure, they quickly realize that the spirits that haunt the mansion are far more dangerous and cunning than anything they’ve encountered before.

The film begins with the Evers family, still reeling from their earlier ghost-hunting experiences, moving into their newly inherited Scottish property. Their excitement quickly turns to dread as they discover that Blackwood Castle is not merely haunted—it is cursed. The castle is known for its shifting corridors, eerie gargoyles, and an endless array of vengeful spirits. As they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the mansion, they find themselves caught in a battle with an ancient evil that threatens everything they hold dear. The once-innocent exploration of a new family home quickly becomes a fight for survival against malevolent forces beyond their comprehension.

The Characters: Ghosts and Laughs

One of the strongest aspects of The Haunted Mansion 2 is its ability to balance genuine scares with humor. Eddie Murphy returns as Jim Evers, the lovable but often reluctant father who is once again dragged into a paranormal investigation. Jim’s trademark wit and humor are more prominent than ever, with Murphy effortlessly slipping back into the role that made him a fan favorite. His comedic timing is as sharp as ever, and his ability to bring levity to even the most chilling situations allows the film to maintain its family-friendly appeal. His wisecracks and sarcastic remarks provide a perfect counterbalance to the more terrifying moments, ensuring the film never leans too heavily into the horror genre.

Joining Jim on this haunted adventure are his children—now teenagers and budding ghost hunters in their own right. Their involvement in the paranormal world has clearly shaped their characters, and their newfound skills as ghost hunters bring a fresh dynamic to the family unit. Aree Davis and Marc John Jefferies reprise their roles as Jim’s kids, who have grown into more resourceful and courageous characters. Their characters have matured, and they show a depth of understanding when it comes to dealing with the supernatural. Together with their father, they form an unbreakable bond as they face the horrors lurking within Blackwood Castle.

Marsha Thomason also returns as the wise and capable Sara Evers, Jim’s wife, who has proven herself a capable ally in the first film. Sara’s character is a grounding force in the film, helping to keep the family’s spirits high even as the dangers around them intensify. Her calm demeanor and unshakable resolve serve as a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding in the castle.

The Haunted Setting: Blackwood Castle

As the family explores the cursed Blackwood Castle, the filmmakers do an excellent job of creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and visually stunning. The castle itself becomes one of the film’s most intriguing characters, with its labyrinthine hallways, towering stone walls, and dark, foreboding halls. The castle is a living, breathing entity that shifts and changes as the spirits move through it. This adds an extra layer of tension as the characters are never quite sure which way to turn, and every room feels like a trap waiting to spring. The visual design of the castle is breathtaking, filled with ghostly apparitions, cursed artifacts, and hidden dangers that add to the sense of foreboding.

The filmmakers make the most of the film’s supernatural setting, using the castle’s ancient history and the mystery surrounding the curse to build suspense. The shift from the relatively modern, albeit haunted, mansion to the ancient, mysterious Blackwood Castle provides a fresh environment for the story to unfold. There’s an eerie beauty to the castle, with its gothic architecture and long-forgotten history, which serves as an ideal backdrop for the terrifying entities that haunt its halls. The haunted elements of the story are visually stunning, with spirits and apparitions making chilling appearances at every turn.

The Villains: A Curse Unleashed

While the spirits within the mansion offer plenty of scares, the true villain of The Haunted Mansion 2: The Curse of Blackwood lies in the curse itself. The curse that has plagued the Blackwood family for generations is tied to a dark, tragic event from the past. The Evers family’s arrival at the castle awakens the malevolent forces that have been lying dormant for centuries, and the consequences are disastrous. As they delve deeper into the mystery, Jim and his family must uncover the truth behind the curse and find a way to break it before it consumes them all.

The film does an excellent job of building tension through its portrayal of the spirits and the curse, with each haunting scene adding to the overall atmosphere of dread. The ghosts in the castle are not simply angry spirits seeking revenge—they are bound by the curse, trapped in the castle and driven to torment anyone who dares to enter. Their presence is palpable, and the filmmakers use a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring the supernatural elements to life in a way that is both terrifying and visually stunning.

The film also introduces a host of new ghosts and spirits, each with their own backstory and motives. The family encounters a number of malevolent entities, including vengeful souls seeking to reclaim their lost lives, and otherworldly creatures that are far more terrifying than anything they have faced before. These new threats raise the stakes and push the family to their limits, forcing them to confront their fears head-on.

The Blending of Horror and Humor

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to blend horror and humor. The Haunted Mansion 2 never forgets that its roots lie in family-friendly entertainment, and it strikes the perfect balance between thrills and laughs. Eddie Murphy’s return as Jim Evers adds much-needed levity to the film, and his banter with his kids provides some of the film’s funniest moments. At the same time, the film doesn’t shy away from genuinely spooky scenes that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The combination of humor and horror allows the film to appeal to both younger and older audiences, making it a perfect choice for family viewing.

The relationships between the characters are at the heart of the film, and the emotional depth adds an extra layer to the story. As the Evers family confronts the curse and faces down the spirits that haunt Blackwood Castle, they are forced to rely on one another, drawing strength from their bond. The film explores themes of family, bravery, and the power of love and unity in the face of supernatural evil. These moments of warmth and connection help to ground the film’s supernatural elements and give it an emotional weight that elevates it above a simple haunted house story.

Conclusion: A Perfect Sequel

In conclusion, The Haunted Mansion 2: The Curse of Blackwood is a worthy sequel that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. With a perfect mix of laughs, scares, and heart, the film delivers a thrilling, family-friendly adventure that will keep audiences captivated from start to finish. Eddie Murphy’s return as Jim Evers brings much-needed humor and charm to the film, while the rest of the cast, including Marsha Thomason, Aree Davis, and Marc John Jefferies, add depth and heart to their roles. The haunted Scottish castle setting is a perfect backdrop for the terrifying spirits and dark curses that the family must face, and the film’s ability to blend humor with genuine horror makes it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

The Haunted Mansion 2: The Curse of Blackwood is a fun, thrilling, and emotional ride that reminds us that sometimes, the scariest things aren’t the ghosts themselves, but the secrets they hold. The Evers family once again proves that, no matter the curse, they are stronger together. Whether you’re looking for a good scare, a laugh, or a heartwarming family story, this sequel delivers it all, making it a must-watch for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Rating: ★★★★★