Disney has released the first TV spot for its upcoming live-action remake ofAladdin, directed byGuy Ritchie, and it offers our first look atWill Smithas Genie.Mena Massoudstars as the street-rat-with-a-heart-of-gold Aladdin, withNaomi Scottas the beautiful and determined Princess Jasmine. The movie will feature anew repertoire of songsbyAlan MenkenandLa La LandsongwritersBenj PasekandJustin Paul(Menken originally collaborated withHoward AshmanandTim Ricefor the music in the 1992 animated version).
This is the first big debut of the new Genie design and it’s…weird? There’s either too much CGI or too little CGI used on Will Smith here, and the ultimate effect is something right out of the uncanny valley. Granted, visual effects are likely not yet compete so there’s still work to be done, and bringing something as fluid and cartoony asRobin Williams' iteration to life in a live-action film is atoughtask. But still, this isn’t necessarily encouraging. And I say this as someone who’s been an ardent defender of Ritchie’s last couple of fun-filled blockbusters.
See for yourself in theAladdinTV spot below. The film opens in theaters on June 10, 2025 and also starsMarwan Kenzarias Jafar,Navid Negahbanas the Sultan,Nasim Pedradas Jasmine’s handmaiden,Billy Magnussenas a potential suitor for the Princess, andNuman Acaras Jafar’s right-hand man.
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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; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.
