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‘Genies’: Disney Confirms Live-Action ‘Aladdin’ Prequel

Disney is gearing up for a “Genie”-centric live action prequel to the classic 1992 animated flick, “Aladdin.”

Three wishes, to be exact. And ixnay on the wishing for more wishes. That’s it. Three. Uno, dos, tres. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds.

This project marks yet another retooled animated classic continuing Disney’s trend of recent live-action re-adaptations. According to an exclusivve report by the HollywoodReporter, the project is currently being titled “Genies,” which is alleged to explore the back story behind the spectral wish-granters of mediterranean mythos. What is being billed as an action-comedy of sorts will explain just how Aladdin’s comedically quipping azure-skinned pal wound up in his lamp in the first place.

Robin Williams voice of Genie in “Aladdin.”

As a kid who grew up with the classic animated Disney’s “Aladdin,” it will be bittersweet seeing the Genie role re-prised by someone other than the late great Robin Williams. Given that Disney initially created the role based on the persona of the iconic funnyman and courted Williams for the project by rendering footage of the Genie performing selections from William’s stand-up, this role will undoubtably be a difficult one to fill. With that said, it brings up the question as to whether or not the studio will be actively seeking a Williams-esque actor to fill his… umm… gold cuffs?

Disney has recently rekindled their catalogue of classic hits with a slew of box-office blazing live-action re-workings. In 2010, Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” surpassed the $1 Billion mark at the global box office, followed by the Angelina Jolie lead “Maleficent” which grossed $758 Million in 2014, and most recently Kenneth Branagh’s “Cinderella” broke $500 Million in April.

Disney’s live action slate has Mulan, Pinocchio and Beauty and the Beast (starring Emma Watson as Belle) in queue with other internet leaks or rumors teasing at a fairy-centric re-make of “Peter Pan” starring Reese Witherspoon as Tinker Bell.

Despite “Genies” being in the pre-mature stages of production, Disney has long-term plans to further the project with a follow-up live-action “Aladdin” film. Mark Swift and Damian Shannon (“Freddy vs. Jason”) have been tapped to pen the screenplay for “Genies.”

What do YOU think about Disney’s recent trend of Live-Action re-makes of Animated Classics? Can the Genie be replaced? We want to know, so tell us in the comment section below!

Pooya: Since his wee lad-dom, Pooya has been a sommelier of cinema. It was likely some acting bug, fallen from the dust riddled ruby curtains of an enchanted old stage that did it. Those cinematic scarabs must have burrowed deep into his brain, irreversibly altering his mind, turning the poor boy down a dismal path. From his earliest years the strange boy would aimlessly wander the aisles of countless video rental stores, amassing his trivial knowledge with vigor. These actions befuddled the boy’s parents, who still would lovingly oblige his unusual attraction to the motion picture. Often seeking refuge in the cushioned seating of his local movie theater, the odd adolescent would immerse himself in the scripted and effects riddled realities unfolding on the screen before him. During his collegiate years, he was twice spotted on stage performing bizarre theatrical rituals before awe-struck audiences. When he departed from academia, he left behind his youth in exchange for a labor routine, but the strange young man never lost his long-cultivated love of film. Recently, Pooya was approached by FilmFad.com to join their budding team of entertainment bloggers. After hours of coaxing and an undisclosed number of honey jars, he accepted their offer. Finally he had come full circle. Finally, at FilmFad.com, he was home.
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