Will Smith To Play Genie In Disney’s Aladdin Movie

Reports have it that the Suicide Squad star Will Smith is circling the Genie role in Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin movie. Negotiations are ongoing, and the outlet cautions that, much like the meeting between Smith and Disney regarding Dumbo, these talks between actor and studio are in the early, early stages. 

Scheduling is one potential obstacle for Will Smith, given Aladdin is currently gearing up for an extensive, six-month shoot in London this summer. That’s not to say the former Fresh Prince will be required on set for the entire production but given how instrumental the Genie is to Aladdin’s story, the Disney shoot may complicate Will Smith’s longstanding commitment to Bad Boys for Life.

John August is the scribe on board to pen a screenplay for this live-action interpretation, with the 1992 animated classic acting as the primary source of inspiration. Dan Lin will produce for the Mouse House, and all involved have vowed to enlist a diverse ensemble cast headed up by Aladdin and Princess Jasmine.

No word of a release date for Aladdin just yet, but with a June production start now on the cards, not to mention the potential involvement of Will Smith, it shouldn’t be too much longer before the project takes shape.