If you’re a fan of Disney’s “Aladdin,” then hold on to your magic lamps because the studio has finally released a first look at Will Smith as the Genie!
The first images of Smith’s version of the character in Disney’s live-action “Aladdin” were revealed via Entertainment Weekly. Right off the bat, fans noticed that he’s not blue like in the animated version, although that does not mean he won’t appear that way in the movie at all.
EW reported that “the final version of Will Smith’s Genie in his blue floating lamp form isn’t quite finished.”
Smith certainly has large shoes to fill by taking over for the late Robin Williams, but he told EW that he hopes to deliver a take on the character that is “an homage to Robin Williams” but still “musically different.”
Knowing Smith of course, he’ll definitely bring some “hip-hop flavor” to the Disney universe, with one executive describing the character as part Fresh Prince, part Hitch. The “flavor of the character” will be “different enough” from the Williams version so that it’s not trying to “compete” with it, Smith explained.
Entertainment Weekly also revealed some details about the upcoming movie. Smith’s Genie will definitely be singing “Friend Like Me,” and Jasmine will get a new solo number that was not in the original film. She’ll also have a best friend character to play off of, with director Guy Ritchie saying he hopes to make her a “more rounded character.”
Are you excited? Disney’s “Aladdin” will officially hit theaters next year on May 24!
