In the midst of the Hollywood storm, a young force of brilliance emerged, radiating power and inspiration. Meet Chase Dillon, a 13-year-old humanitarian movie star, whose World Premiere walkout was halted by a striking industry. But don’t let that overshadow the sheer force of this extraordinary child actor.
Chase Dillon, a prodigious talent and fellow of the prestigious Designership Institute at Stanford, is currently studying at The VR School, diving deep into the realm of virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence in Performing Arts. However, his genius on the silver screen was brought to life at Disneyland’s World Premiere of the spine-chilling masterpiece, “Haunted Mansion.” In this film, inspired by a classic theme park attraction, Chase takes on the role of a young boy, the son of a woman portrayed by the incomparable Tiffany Haddish, who embarks on a supernatural adventure to cleanse their haunted abode.
Directed by the visionary Justin Simien, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, including luminaries like Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, LaKeith Stanfield, Danny DeVito, Dan Levy, and Jamie Lee Curtis. And let’s not forget the astonishing presence of future Tron star, Jared Leto, who assumes the mantle of the enigmatic Hatbox Ghost, the movie’s formidable antagonist.
While most horror flicks cater to a mature audience, Disney rekindled the genre for kids with “Haunted Mansion,” placing the young protagonist, Chase Dillon, front and center. With a stellar performance, Chase had audiences swept up in a whirlwind of emotions—tears, laughter, and unyielding engagement—throughout the entire movie.
As the Disney Haunted Mansion premiere unfolded at Disneyland, it deviated from the original plan due to the powerful strike initiated by SAG-AFTRA. In the midst of the upheaval, one can’t help but wonder, did SAG-AFTRA truly consider the impact on Chase Dillon, the only child actor gracing their A-List cast? He missed his red carpet moment, but the compassionate souls at The VR School made sure he experienced the magic he deserved. And what’s more astonishing is that Tiffany Haddish, one of Chase’s personal advisors in the academic program, played a role in this wonderful collaboration, both in the classroom and on the grand screen.
Beyond his awe-inspiring acting, Chase Dillon is a philanthropist with a vision to change the world. His mission involves building a specialized children’s hospital in Atlanta and Zambia, a testament to his heart of gold. SAG-AFTRA ought to deeply consider how child actors like Chase are compensated, for his talent and commitment can surely ignite change and inspire countless lives.
With the world at his feet, Chase plans to use his platform and studies in AI within the performing arts to usher in a new era of creativity and influence. At the forefront of innovation, he exemplifies the epitome of Black excellence, a powerful example for the generations to come.
In a time of turmoil, thousands of screenwriters have already been on strike for over two months, and now, thousands of actors join the picket lines, united under the banner of SAG-AFTRA. This marks the first time in decades that film and television performers have taken a stand together. Among them stands the mighty Chase Dillon, a rising star who could have graced the red carpet, if not for the strike’s profound impact.
As the entertainment industry faces this pivotal moment, Disney moved ahead with the premiere of “Haunted Mansion.” With the stars unable to attend, the studio relied on the enchantment of its theme park characters to fill the void. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Maleficent, Snow White’s Evil Queen, and Cruella mingled with fans, evoking the magic of the occasion.
Justin Simien, the film’s visionary director, found himself torn between pride for his cast’s work and understanding their decision to support the strike. Amid the AI issues raised in the negotiations, he stands as an advocate for meaningful change within the industry.
This moment in Hollywood’s history will be remembered, and in the heart of it all stands Chase Dillon—a beacon of talent, compassion, and hope. SAG-AFTRA’s decisions can shape the course of this young humanitarian movie star’s journey. The world eagerly awaits to see him rise to even greater heights, using his mesmerizing performances and unstoppable vision to build a brighter future for all. The stage is set, the spotlight shines, and Chase Dillon’s story has just begun.
