At first glance, Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie doesn't seem like the most natural fit for a live-action retelling of Disney's Aladdin but the studio has made some unexpected decisions along the way that have (mostly) paid off. Now, Entertainment Weekly has released a first look at the movie and we get to see Aladdin (Mena Massoud), Jasmine (Naomi Scott), and Genie (Will Smith).
"Whenever you’re doing things that are iconic, it’s always terrifying," Smith says of the character before the magazine confirms that his appearance in Aladdin isn't 100% finished as of yet. "The question is always: Where was there meat left on the bone? Robin didn’t leave a lot of meat on the bone with the character."
"I think it’ll stand out as unique even in the Disney world," Smith adds. "There hasn’t been a lot of that hip-hop flavor in Disney history." Smith will have musical numbers in the movie and Ritchie promises a fresh take on Genie here. "I like the fact that our Genie has an ego and is a little bit vain and he cares about how he’s presented because he’s been doing this for a very long time."
In other news, the magazine reveals that Rajah will be part of proceedings while Nasim Pedrad is playing Dalia, Jasmine's handmaiden and best friend. Billy Magnussen, meanwhile, will play newly created Prince Anders of Skånland (one of her suitors).
What do you guys think of this first look at Aladdin? Share your thoughts in the usual place.
About The Author:
Comic Book Reader. Film Lover. WWE and F1 Fan. Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and ComicBookMovie.com's #1 contributor.