Will Smith to play the genie in Guy Ritchie remake of Aladdin
Will Smith will voice the genie in Guy Ritchie’s live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin, it has been announced.
Smith will join the cast of the film alongside Mena Massoud in the title role and British actress Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine. Disney’s struggles to cast the lead role were widely reported – Britons Dev Patel and Riz Ahmed were seen as contenders.
The 1992 animated film – in which the genie was voiced by Robin Williams – was the highest-grossing film of the year and won Oscars for best score and best song.
The studio also confirmed that Tim Burton will direct a remake of Dumbo, starring Colin Farrell, Danny Devito, Eva Green and Michael Keaton.