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Suicide Squad star Will Smith is in talks to take on the Genie role in ALADDIN, the live-action remake of Disney’s animated film, directed by Guy Ritchie. The beloved character was previously played by the late Robin Williams.
The musical follows the story of Aladdin, a pickpocket who finds a magic lamp with a Genie inside who will grant him three wishes. The original, animated film grossed $504 million for Disney twenty-five years ago.
Dan Lin is producing and Jonathan Eirich is executive producing. John August is penning the script.
The project joins a long list of animated-turned-live-action remakes that Disney has in the works after finding success with previous adaptations Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and most recently, Beauty and the Beast.
Smith would have big shoes to fill if he takes on the role. He has had a music career and strong comedic chops that would fit the bill, but he’s taking over a role that was one of many highlights in Williams’s career. The casting of Smith, as opposed to another stand-up comedian, would help to allow Smith to create his own version of the character.
The actor was previously in talks to join Tim Burton’s Dumbo remake. The actor was last seen in the drama Collateral Beauty and last summer in the DC actioner Suicide Squad as Deadshot. He will next be seen in the Netflix project Bright directed by David Ayer and written by Max Landis.
Smith is repped by CAA.
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Emily J | TV Editor
