Film News

Aladdin Live-Action Remake May Star Will Smith

The film and television star is reportedly in talks to play the genie.

| Los Angeles | New York City |

April 19, 2017

Will Smith, who is in talks to take on the role of the genie in Disney's live-action Aladdin with Jada Pinkett Smith. — Will Smith, seen here with Jada Pinkett Smith, is in talks to take on the role of the genie in Disney's live-action *Aladdin*.

(© Tristan Fuge)

Disney's upcoming live-action film reboot of the 1992 animated feature Aladdin may have found its genie. According to Deadline, film and television star Will Smith is in talks to play the character, which was originated on film by Robin Williams.

The upcoming project is in the good company of Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, and the upcoming Mulan and The Lion King. Guy Ritchie, director of the first two Sherlock Holmes films with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, will helm the film.

Aladdin was originally released in 1992, featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The cast of voices included Scott Weinger (Aladdin), Robin Williams (Genie), Jonathan Freeman (Jafar), and Linda Larkin (Jasmine), with Tony winner Lea Salonga lending the singing voice of Jasmine.

The stage musical Aladdin opened at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014, with Jonathan Freeman reprising his original performance as Jafar. The production earned five Tony nominations, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.