Disney is doing it again, turning one of its classic cartoons into a live-action blockbuster. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that a prequel to the beloved 1992 film Aladdin is in the works, focusing on the Genie character iconically voiced by the late Robin Williams.
Tentatively titled Genies, the story would be set in “the realm of Genies” and tell the tale of how Aladdin’s particular blue-skinned bud ended up trapped in the famous magic lamp. Though currently in the very early development stages, the plans is that Genies would lead into a live-action Aladdin.
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Tripp Vinson, who’s also attached to the live-action Prince Charming film, will produce through his Vinson Films. Thus far, the only talent tapped for the project is writing duo Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, best known for — wait for it — Freddy vs. Jason and the Friday the 13th remake. Their next film will be the Peter Dinklage comedy O’ Lucky Day, coming in 2017.
Genies is just one of a healthy handful of live-action reimaginings Disney has in the works. Besides Prince Charming, there’s The Jungle Book from director Jon Favreau, Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson attached as Belle, Reese Witherspoon as the title character in the Peter Pan story Tink, a Dumbo feature from Tim Burton, plus a sequel to Burton’s 2010 Alice in Wonderland dubbed Alice Through the Looking Glass — not to mention adaptations of Mulan, Pinnochio, and Winnie the Pooh all in the works. In an era of reboots and remakes, Disney knows it has a huge pool of stories to siphon from, and you better believe they’re going to suck it dry.
