“Make way for Prince Ali!”
Disney’s live-action remake of “Aladdin” crushed the competition at the box office, which included two new R-rated movies that opened alongside the family film – teen comedy “Booksmart” and superhero/horror movie mashup “Brightburn.”
“Aladdin” came in with a $105 million debut weekend, going on to gross $86.1 million, taking the top spot in North America, but the studio estimates the film is likely to pass $100 million by Monday. In the worldwide box office, “Aladdin” has already earned $207.1 million.
The movie did better than last year’s Disney’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” The Han Solo prequel earned $84 million Fri-Sun and $103 million over its Fri-Mon debut weekend.
The new cast and director of “Aladdin” heavily drew inspiration for the music and story from the 1992 animated film.
Though critically acclaimed and loved, the movie faced its challenges. Committed to diversifying itself and its projects, Disney sought advice from a Community Advisory Council comprised of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Muslim scholars, activists and creatives in order to bring “Aladdin” to life.
Egyptian Canadian actor Mena Massoud plays Aladdin, but the role of Jasmine received a lot of mixed feelings. Casting Indian British actress Naomi Scott as Jasmine was controversial because many hoped to see an Arab or Middle Eastern actress in this role.
Have you seen the movie yet? Did you like it or not?
By: Maytinee Kramer
