Aladdin (2019)
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
- The incredible score for Aladdin was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
- Guy Ritchie originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
Aladdin is a 2019 American musical fantasy film directed by Guy Ritchie, a live-action remake of Disney's 1992 animated classic. Mena Massoud stars as the title character, a charming street thief in the fictional Middle Eastern kingdom of Agrabah who discovers a magic lamp containing a Genie, played by Will Smith, and uses his three wishes to reinvent himself as a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine, played by Naomi Scott. Will Smith faced the daunting challenge of stepping into a role indelibly associated with Robin Williams, and wisely chose not to imitate Williams's manic improvisational style, instead bringing his own charisma and hip-hop energy to the Genie.
The result divided audiences β some appreciated Smith's fresh take while others felt the role could never be separated from Williams's iconic performance. Naomi Scott's Jasmine was given significantly more agency than the animated version, including a new solo number "Speechless" that addressed her struggle against patriarchal limitations. Guy Ritchie's direction brought kinetic energy to the chase sequences and musical numbers, though the blue CGI Genie initially alarmed fans before the film's release.
Aladdin earned $1.05 billion worldwide, far exceeding conservative predictions and becoming one of the most successful Disney live-action remakes.
