Will Smith Could Play The Genie In Live-Action Remake Of Aladdin

Look, I love Will Smith. His performances are pretty awesome, whether they're apocalyptic like I Am Legend, badass like Bad Boys, feel good like The Pursuit of Happiness or funny like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

But what actor in their right mind would want to take on a role which was so masterfully done by the late Robin Williams. It's like when Jared Leto reprised the Joker after Heath Ledger died - he still gave an impressive performance but, like, don't.

Either way, director Guy Ritchie wants to push on with making the live-action Disney movie and he's still looking for the lead roles of the Genie and Aladdin.

via GIPHY

When he was asked why he wanted to do Aladdin out of all the Disney movies he told Vulture: "My stories are really about street hustlers. That's what I know how to do. And Aladdin is a classic street hustler who makes good."

According to the Hollywood Reporter,Will is in talks to be the big blue Genie which provides three magical wishes.

Hollywood Reporter writer, Mia Galuppo, wrote: "Smith was previously in talks with Tim Burton about the live-action Dumbo movie, but a deal never materialized due to scheduling.

"Smith had been trying to juggle that project and Bad Boys 3, but with Bad Boys 3 now off the table, temporarily due to a loss of a director, Smith may have more wiggle room in that department. Smith remains a high-salary player so a deal is far from a sure thing."

While I might have my reservations about the rumours, others very much approve.

The remake will be similar to Beauty and the Beast which was released a few weeks ago. It's proved to be quite the money-making machine and has pulled in more than a billion dollars worldwide.

Movie technology has advanced to the point where film makers can finally bring to life what many of us grew up with as cartoons. There have been plenty movies that have been remade for a new generation.

You've got Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent, Cinderella and The Jungle Book. People can also get excited for Mulan, which is set to be released next year.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Robin Williams, Will Smith

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie