Disney is positioning themselves to take over the box office in May of 2019 with the live-action adaptation of the classic hit, Aladdin, with Guy Ritchie at the helm as director, Naomi Scott as Jasmine, Mena Massoud as Aladdin, and Will Smith as Genie.
If you remember, the role of Genie was portrayed in the classic film by the late Robin Williams. Smith himself talked to Entertainment Weekly about becoming the character in his own way while simultaneously paying homage to Williams.
“I started to feel confident that I could deliver something that was an homage to Robin Williams but was musically different. Just the flavor of the character would be different enough and unique enough that it would be in a different lane, versus trying to compete,” Smith said. “I think it’ll stand out as unique even in the Disney world. There hasn’t been a lot of that hip-hop flavor in Disney history.”
After Entertainment Weekly published first-look photos of the upcoming live-action remake, some fans questioned Smith’s genie look and even wondered why Genie is not blue on the cover of the issue.
To which Will responded, “BAM!! First look at the Genie, Princess Jasmine, and #Aladdin! Check Me Rockin’ the Top Knot Ponytail Vibes in @entertainmentweekly (and yes, I’m gonna be BLUE! 🙂 This is how the Genie is in Human / Disguise Form. My character will be CGI most of the movie.)”
Check out the first peek trailer below. Make sure to mark your calendars for May 2019. This is definitely one that you won’t want to miss!
