In my post where I gave the full list of Disney movies in 2019, I admitted the live action Aladdin film is what I’m the most excited about. I mean, besides Star Wars Episode IX.
Disney’s Aladdin is my favorite animated Disney movie of all time, so this live action Aladdin is making my heart sing. Having an arabic name pretty much solidified me as an Aladdin (and Princess Jasmine) fan, and this film will take my fandom to another level.
I love that Disney films describe the Aladdin live action version as “the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and Genie who may be the key to their future.” Simple, sweet and to-the-point.
Aladdin Cast
I don’t know why I didn’t expect that there would be an amazing cast for this film. The cast of live action version of Aladdin is star-studded and very good-looking. Ahem. I’m glad my friend Tessa agrees with me, when it comes to talking about the awesomeness of the Aladdin live action cast.
Did I also mention I’m a big Will Smith fan? He’s dreamy, and funny, and inspiring, and handsome, and…OK, I’ll stop. Here’s the list of the cast:
- Will Smith as Genie
- Mena Massoud as Aladdin
- Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine (my favorite Disney Princess of all time)
- Marwan Kenzari as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer
- Navid Negahban as the Sultan
- Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante
- Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders (remember the snotty first suitor in the animated version of Disney’s Aladdin? Yeah, that guy.)
It took almost 6 months to cast the film. Brandi at Mama Knows It All shares why representation mattered to Guy Ritchie, and why he decided to take his time casting live action Aladdin.
Aladdin’s Director and Producers
Speaking of guy (see what I did there?), let’s chat about the awesomeness behind Director Guy Ritchie bringing the live action version of Disney’s Aladdin to life.
Guy Ritchie’s work is always visually stunning and extremely fun to watch. I’m sure we’ll be subjected to even more visual eye candy similar to Sherlock Holmes when we see live action Aladdin, because Guy wouldn’t have it any other way.
Guy Ritchie partnered with his Sherlock Holmes producer Dan Lin, and super talented producer Jonathan Eirich. Also, Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serve as executive producers.
Guy Ritchie and John August took on the task of writing Live Action Aladdin, which is based on the animated version of Disney’s Aladdin. Obviously.
The Music of Aladdin – Live Action
Eight-time Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken, who composed for Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, provides the score for live action Aladdin.
Menken is giving us new recordings of the original songs he and Oscar-winning lyricists Howard Ashman (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) wrote for the animated version of Disney’s Aladdin.
Plus, they’re including two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hanson”).
Where was Disney’s Live Action Aladdin filmed?
Learning where Aladdin was filmed really intrigued me, because the animated version was so immersed in the magic of the middle east. How could they re-create those views in a live action version?
The film was shot on practical stages in London, and on location amidst the stunning desert vistas of Jordan. Ahhh, very smart. I can immediately think about the Cave of Wonders scene, and how they would show the deep, dark dessert in that part of the film. Jordan. Makes sense.
A talented creative team helped to bring Agrabah to life, including: director of photography Alan Stewart (“The Commuter”), production designer Gemma Jackson (“Game of Thrones”) and costume designer Michael Wilkinson (“American Hustle”).
Live Action Aladdin Trailers
The live action version of Disney’s Aladdin hasn’t been without controversy, especially about the trailers. I have to admit, I was smitten with the first trailer, but was shocked by the second one. I’m glad Will Smith’s Genie was blue, but…the graphics. Sigh. I wasn’t a fan of the CGI in the second trailer, but others enjoyed it.
Does this mean I won’t see the film? Heck, no! I’m still extremely excited. If you missed the trailers, here they are for your viewing pleasure:
What is the Live Action Aladdin release date?
Here’s the great news, friends: it’s almost time to visit Agrabah! ALADDIN opens in U.S. theatres nationwide May 24, 2019. I love that we’ll get this film right before the start of summer, so we can make plans to see it multiple times during those hot days.
Are you excited about live action Aladdin?
