Disney has revealed the first trailer for Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin. The film is a live-action reimagining of the 1993 hit animated classic of the same name. As with all these contemporary adaptations, there will be familiar nods to the original plus other elements to distinguish itself from its animated counterpart.
Though it is a teaser, there are some things that may resonate with those who are huge fans of the animated film. There’s red-feathered parrot soaring through the Arabian night sky. Fans may also recognize the tiger mouth cave opening, and its deep grumbling voice saying that only the “diamond in the rough” may enter the Cave Of Wonders. And finally, there is the treasure room whose staircase leads up to the lamp, which the charming scoundrel Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is about to hold it in his hand. And that is pretty much it. But you can be sure to expect more from this film leading up to its release.
The live-action Aladdin is based on the 1992 Disney animated film of the same name, where a lowly street rat comes into possession of a lamp. When he frees the genie he is granted three wishes, and he will use these wishes to win the heart of Princess Jasmine. However, the evil Jafar also seeks the power of the lamp and intends on using it for his own nefarious purposes.
Alan Menkin, and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, who wrote the songs for the original film, return to write the songs for the live-action film. Joining them will be La La Land songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The film, which was shot on practical stages in London and on location amidst the stunning desert vistas of Jordan, has a talented creative team helping to bring Agrabah to life, including director of photography Alan Stewart, production designer Gemma Jackson and costume designer Michael Wilkinson.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
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, the film is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s ALADDIN.
Aladdin also stars Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine and Will Smith as the Genie of the Lamp. Marwan Kenzari will play the evil all-powerful sorcerer Jafar, while Navid Negahban plays the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future. Nasim Pedrad is Dalia, Jasmine’s best friend and confident. Billy Magnussen will play Prince Anders, a possible suitor for Princess Jasmine, and Numan Acar is as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards.
Aladdin will open in theaters on May 24, 2019.
1 comment
I’ll be taking my 2 granddaughters to see Aladdin when it comes out. I loved seeing it years ago when Robin Williams was the voice of the genie. He was hilarious.