Last month we received our first look at Disney’s live-action Aladdin remake, and the internet was not pleased. The movie already had a lot working against it. One, moviegoers see reboots and remakes as blatant studio cash grabs. Two, you don’t mess with a classic. And three, there’s no replacing Robin Williams all-timer of a performance as Genie. So, during the teaser trailer, when a creepy-ass Smurf-blue Will Smith appeared in all his CG glory, things weren’t looking good. But that was a month ago, which in internet terms, is an eon. And now Disney is back with a trailer that actually does an excellent job selling their movie.
The dazzling new Aladdin trailer perfectly captures the look, spirit, and tone of the 1992 feature. The movie’s director, Guy Ritchie, has created a fantasy world that is one part live-action cartoon and one-part Baz Luhrmann film. Vibrant colours pop off the screen, and the magical world springs to life as Aladdin and Abu tear through the streets and rooftops of Agrabah like Assassin’s Creed characters. And most importantly, Will Smith looks about 1000% less creepy this time around. That’s because he spends much of the trailer incognito as a human wearing his own beautiful brown skin. But the part that sells it all is the stirring rendition of A Whole New World. If you grew up on the original movie, hearing this snippet will set off a nostalgia tsunami.
Check it out:
In addition to Smith, the picture stars Mena Massoud (Jack Ryan) in the title role, Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) as Jasmine, and Marwan Kenzari (The Mummy) as Jafir. Shout out to Disney for casting actual people of colour and not Jake Gyllenhaal types. Hollywood loves Jake Gyllenhaal types!
If I have one complaint about this trailer, it’s that there’s way too little Iago. But hey, you can’t win them all.
#FreeIago
Aladdin synopsis:
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.