In a newly released featurette, Walt Disney Studios takes us behind-the-scenes of Guy Ritchie's
Aladdin. The special look features the cast and crew of the upcoming live-action adaptation, as they discuss how they brought the fairy tale story to life on the big screen.
"In making this movie, we wanted to make sure we were as authentic as possible, so ultimately we decided to go out and to shoot on location," explained producer Dan Lin.
"We shot out in Jordan, a place called Wadi Rum," revealed Will Smith, who plays the Genie.
"You could just feel the history in the sand. I think it adds a level of reality."
The video also touches on the recreation of the fictitious port city of Agrabah, which was influenced heavily by Arabia as well as other neighboring cultures.
"In creating Agrabah, we wanted to get the balance just right so we have a team of culture of advisors in order to give it an authentic voice," explained director Guy Ritchie.
Hear from production designer Gemma Jackson (
Game of Thrones) and others as they take you behind the scenes and discuss the making of the magical world of
Aladdin.
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
Aladdin flies into theaters on May 24.