2019 is shaping up to be a historic year for Disney. Fans are clamoring for the latest installment in the epic Avengers series and the live action Lion King starring Childish Gambino and Beyonce, but don’t overlook Aladdin, which will bring Will Smith in as the Genie.
Entertainment Weekly gave the first look into the forthcoming blockbuster with Smith stepping into the role of Robin Williams. Smith states the effort Williams gave is tough to follow but he will invigorate himself into the character.
“I started to feel confident that I could deliver something that was an homage to Robin Williams but was musically different,” he said. “Just the flavor of the character would be different enough and unique enough that it would be in a different lane, versus trying to compete.”
Smith details this edition of the Genie will be memorable in the Disney universe. “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.
“I think it’ll stand out as unique even in the Disney world,” Smith says. “There hasn’t been a lot of that hip-hop flavor in Disney history.”
The new Aladdin will be directed by Guy Ritchie. You can get the first look into the film below.
We can show you the world… of Disney’s live-action #Aladdin! Get a shining, shimmering, splendid first look at the reimagined classic in our magical First Look issue: https://t.co/Kwkcdfen5v pic.twitter.com/7NbyiRRcLH
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) December 19, 2018