The much awaited live-action remake of Aladdin arrives in cinemas today and the creators are saying that it is “one of the most diverse casts ever put on screen”. Have a look at what we found out about the film ahead of its release!
Film Facts
Directed by Guy Ritchie. Ritchie is famous for directing a number of films including Sherlock Holmes, Swept Away and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
The screenplay was written by John August. August has also written films such as Charlies’s Angles, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie.
The film stars Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Noami Scott.
It has a run time of 2 hours 8 minutes.
The film is rated a PG.
On the first day of filming, Will Smith recorded “Friend Like Me”. This is Smith’s first Disney live-action remake.
Guy Ritchie was interested in doing the film as it was the Disney story he felt closest to. He said “My stories are really about street hustlers”.
Sir Patrick Stewart turned down the role of Jafar in the 1992 version, and this time campaigned for the role in this film. The role will be played by Marwan Kenzari.
Dev Patel was considered for the role of Aladdin.
Due to problems finding the right people to play Aladdin and Jasmine, the production got delayed as it was supposed to start in July 2017. Principle photography began in September 2017 in Surrey. Filming finished in January 2018, with reshoots being done in August 2018.
Smith was terrified to play the role of the genie as the role was so iconic to Robin Williams. He said he has “found a lane that pays homage” to Williams while still making it his own. While promoting the film, Smith said that “Robin Williams smashed that role”.
Morocco was originally going to be the place they filmed to represent Agrbah, Ritchie decided against it and to create an original location.
Gabriel Iglesias was considered for the role of the genie and Tom Hardy was considered for the role of Jafar.
Frank Welker who was in the original film is reprising his role as Abu. That makes him the first cast member from a Disney animated feature to play the same character in the live-action remake.
Production designer Gemma Jackson drew inspiration from Moroccan, Persian and Turkish cultures.
In the film, Agrabah is shown to be a port city but in the 1992 film it was described as being located next to a river.
Alan Tudyk, who plays Iago, has been in 8 Disney films including; Wreck-It Ralph, Zootropolis, Moana and Big Hero 6.
Jim Carrey was the original choice to play the genie but due to him being tied up in a lawsuit he was unable to accept the role.
There was massive controversy when it was being reported that white actors who were extras were having brown make-up applied.
So that is all we found and we are excited to take a trip back to one of the best Disney films there is. Let us know what you think of the film!
