Aladdin is a 2019 American musical fantasy film directed by Guy Ritchie, and co-written by Ritchie and John August. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, it is a live action remake of Disney’s 1992 animated film of the same name, which was based on the eponymous folktale from One Thousand and One Nights. The film stars Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, and Billy Magnussen.
In October 2016, Disney announced Ritchie would direct a live-action Aladdin remake. Smith was the first member of the cast to join, signing on to portray Genie in July 2017, and later that month Massoud and Scott were confirmed for the two lead roles. Principal photography began that September at Longcross Studios in Surrey, England, also filming in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan, and lasted until January 2018. The film also pays tribute to the late Robin Williams, who voiced Genie in the animated feature and died in 2014.
Aladdin is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on May 24, 2019.
“Best of all, the film is a proudly out-and-out musical. Bollywood influences abound with dance numbers that dazzle and delight. The charm of the West End musical and the original animation have been blended to create a fresh feel to the tale. Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman’s cherished songs are injected with renewed life, and a new number gives Jasmine her own moment to shine. Yet, despite Scott’s impressive vocals, the impact is diminished by Ritchie’s nauseating insistence on slow-motion. His choice of this effect ruins more than one scene.” – Joseph Walsh, Rotten Tomatoes
“Aladdin Thoughts: A lavish and enjoyable retelling, but not enough of A Whole New World to fully succeed.
“Mena Massoud/Naomi Scott are great, while Will Smith brings a fun energy to his take on the Genie, even if the CGI lets him down. The less said about Jafar, the better…”– Digital Spy via Twitter
” So #Aladdin is Disney’s second-best recent remake, after Pete’s Dragon.
Proudly a musical fantasy adventure, the jokes are strong, Smith’s Genie is a lot of fun, the human leads work well. It’s 20 minutes too long, but works a charm for the entire run. Will Smith credits rap!!! “– Andrew Jones Hosts a Fun Show