Fresh off thefull trailer debut, Disney has released a newAladdinposter for directorGuy Ritchie’s upcoming live-action remake. While live-action remakes have become an important cornerstone of Disney’s moviemaking business model,Aladdinposes a unique challenge and it’ll be interesting to see how audiences respond. 2017’sBeauty and the Beastwas the first time these live-action remakes tackled a Millennial-beloved Disney movie, and it succeeded to the tune of $1.2 billion worldwide. Arguably the next two most beloved Disney movies from the 90s areAladdinandThe Lion King, and we’ll be getting their live-action remakes within months of each other.
The Lion Kingis a bit of a safer bet. It’s essentially just a motion-capture remake of the original, and the animation allows the film to hew a bit closer to what made fans love the first movie so much.Aladdin, meanwhile, translates a somewhat problematic animated film into a live-action adventure, complete with a live-action version of an animated icon inRobin Williams’ Genie. The trailers has received somewhat mixed responses thus far, although today’s full trailer is certainly the best yet as it also gave us our first taste of the beloved songs.
This poster does a nice job of showcasing all the different characters, and unsurprisingly it’sWill Smith’s Genie who casts the biggest shadow. I do love the colorful nature of the one-sheet, as well as the kind of old-fashioned layout—it reminds me a bit oftheRaiders of the Lost Arkposter.
Again, I’m curious to see if fans will flock toAladdinthe same way they did toBeauty and the Beast, or if the release ofThe Lion Kingso soon afterwards may create a bit of a saturation effect. One imagines critical reaction (i.e. the Rotten Tomatoes score) will be a deciding factor for a significant number of people.
We’ll find out soon enough. For now, check out the newAladdinposter below. The film opens in theaters on May 24th.
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Here’s the official synopsis forAladdin:
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “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, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Kevin De La Noy and Marc Platt serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
