Disney's live-action adaptations of its classic animated movies continue to draw a mixed response from moviegoers and critics. However, money talks, and in the case of 2019's Aladdin (as well as a handful of others), a $1 billion box office haul was more than enough to prove these projects can find success.
It took no time at all for sequel talks to begin and, while the pandemic and Hollywood strikes have led to industry-wide delays, there's still no sign of Aladdin 2 (Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars last year also did little to help matters).
During an interview with Screen Rant (via Toonado.com) to discuss his new movie, The Sacrifice Game, Aladdin himself, Mena Massoud, revealed what he's heard about the sequel.
"I don't have any updates. I think like you said, the strike kind of just put everything on hold. I know they were trying to get it off the ground for a long time but I have no idea where it's at."
"Listen, we shot in 2017. It's been six years now since we shot and wrapped the project. To me, at a certain point, life just goes on. I'm sure they have their reasons. I know they were trying for a long time, so I don't know what the obstacles exactly were. But maybe now after the strike is over, they'll continue to try to get it off the ground."
Massoud has often shared his dismay about the lack of offers he received after headlining a $1 billion blockbuster and now appears to be ready to move on from Disney altogether. He delivered a solid performance in Aladdin and, earlier this year, director Guy Ritchie shared his take on where things stand with the long-delayed follow-up.
"I'd very much like to [make a sequel]," he said. "I can't tell you how much I enjoyed that experience. It was a great experience. That whole Disney thing, as you can imagine, is such a professional outfit. Just from that perspective, it was so much fun."
"I would very much like to, we'll wait and see. We have been kicking some ideas around for some time now, but it'd be great to do, it would be great to go back there."
Unfortunately for Aladdin fans, Ritchie is now plotting an adaption of Hercules with the Russo Brothers and that's likely to push a sequel even further down the release calendar. At this point, the movie happening is looking increasingly unlikely and it may just be one of those high-profile projects that simply never becomes a reality.
It was once said that Aladdin 2 would tell an original story rather than directing the direct-to-video The Return of Jafar. As of now, that's all we know about tentative plans for the movie, but we'll keep you updated as we learn more.