When I first heard the news of another live-action Disney remake I wasn’t particularly excited, to be honest. There was a big risk of it just being a bland redo. Then the first teaser was released and I thought, well this one has some tricks up its sleeves for us.
I was pulled in by the reimagination of the magical score along with fantastic visuals. In Entertainment Weekly’s first-week photos of the production, we see that there’s so much more to it than that.
First of all, Genie is no longer blue. The change is a bit surprising, but I can’t wait to see Will Smith take on the mantle of the iconic character.
A first look at #Aladdin ✨
(via @EW) pic.twitter.com/6Iie5gyqMO
— Complex (@Complex) December 19, 2018
Then we have Jafar, who’s looking more menacing than he ever did in the animated film. I think I can finally buy him as a competent villain.
First look at Marwan Kenzari as Jafar in ‘Aladdin’. pic.twitter.com/MetQMoMcRM
— Lights, Camera, Barstool (@LightsCameraPod) December 19, 2018
We can’t forget Abu, who manages to look cute as a CGI animal.
First look at Abu in ‘Aladdin’ pic.twitter.com/NWEiAQSiA2
— Lights, Camera, Barstool (@LightsCameraPod) December 19, 2018
There are also snaps of Aladdin and Jasmine strolling around the marketplace. In contrast to that is a still of them running from the palace guards. This would be the pivotal scene in the original that finds them fleeing the guards and inadvertently bonding.
https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1075514864263606273
Some new information that we get as well is that in this rendition, Jasmine is actually considered as her own character. According to EW: “In this live-action iteration, Jasmine’s arc will see her seeking power in order to protect her people and become a leader. ”
ICYMI: This morning, @EW revealed some incredible first look photos from Disney's #Aladdin! See them all here: https://t.co/xG3kUN1iW7 pic.twitter.com/8JmikNCYHL
— Oh My Disney (@OhMyDisney) December 19, 2018
Did anything in the photos surprise you? Let us know in the comments!