Will Smith In Talks To Voice Genie In Live-Action ‘Aladdin’ Remake

Yet another live-action Disney remake is in the works and yet another major star has signed on to participate. Will Smith is in talks to play Genie in the live-action remake of Aladdin.

The late Robin Williams voiced the character in the 1992 original animated version and for his work, won the first ever Special Achievement Award at the 1993 Golden Globes.

Guy Ritchie, who has primarily directed action movies in the past, including Snatch, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and Sherlock Holmes, has been tapped to direct the newest version of Aladdin.

John August, who wrote Big Fish, is set to write Aladdin while Dan Lin is set to produce – Lin worked with Ritchie on Sherlock.

Smith was initially in talks to take part in another one of Disney’s live-action remakes, Dumbo, but had to back out because of scheduling conflicts. Tim Burton will be directing Dumbo, which, unlike previous live-action remakes, does not have a human character at the story’s center.

Disney has been on a roll recently with their live-action releases and have plans for remaking, what feels like, their entire canon. Their most recent release, Beauty and the Beast, has grossed over one billion dollars and has set the record for the highest grossing remake of all-time.

Mulan, The Lion King, and The Jungle Book 2 remakes are all expected over the next couple of years.