Well. That will be… something. Yes. ‘Something’ is the word that I would use in this situation.
We’re not surprised to hear that Disney has been planning a live-action retelling of their 1992 animated classic Aladdin–they were previously planning a live-action prequel focusing on the franchise’s popular Genie character, after all–but we were not expecting Guy Ritchie to be the emerging directorial candidate for the job. It looks like everyone’s favorite street-rat will be getting an action-packed treatment in the signature styling of the Sherlock Holmes and Man from U.N.C.L.E. director.
It’s not going to be bad, mind you. In fact, I will probably watch it, enthralled. But I wouldn’t advise taking the kids to see it until after you see about half a dozen reviews from people you trust telling you that it’s safe and won’t give your children nightmares.
Moe Lane
PS: I don’t know who they’re going to sucker into taking the Genie role, either. And it would have to be a full-bore sucker, too. Or an absolute masochist.
There’s only one person who can play the Genie: Johnny Depp.
…OK, he’s one of the few guys who wouldn’t feel like he was carrying Robin Williams’ shadow on his back.
I’d advise going a completely different route with the Genie role. Don’t try to do anything remotely like Robin Williams’ performance. Perhaps something like Steven Merchant’s Wheatley from Portal 2?