Will Smith Gets Genie Role In Disney Aladdin Sequel!

Will Smith still faces a damaged reputation from slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars. But surprisingly, Disney didn’t even wait a full year to give the actor a chance. As a result, film insiders claim that Will will star in a sequel to Aladdin. 

Find out how Smith reportedly will make a return as Genie. And learn how his role compares to that in the first film. Get all the details below.

Disney Gives Will Smith First Acting Role Since Scandal

When Will Smith stormed up to the stage at the Oscars and slapped Chris Rock, Hollywood insiders quickly predict a gloomy future for the actor’s career. But despite that still-vividly remembered scandal, Disney weighed in favor of Smith. And the company reportedly plans to give Will the chance to star in a sequel to the 2019 live action version of Aladdin, reported the Sun.

But Disney won’t just give Smith a small role in order to minimize its risk. And insiders claim that Will will take on an even larger role than in the original movie, playing Genie. Taken from the One Thousand And One Nights series of Middle Eastern folk tales, the script writers hope to see filming start by the end of the year.

However, one entertainment industry insider admitted feeling shocked at Disney’s decision. “This would be one of the first movies Will has shot since the Oscars slap,” noted the source. “And it is quite surprising, given that it will be for a kids’ film.” But the insider pointed out that Smith “has done a lot of work on himself” in terms of going on an apology tour for the scandal.

Will Smith -Set To Star In New Original Aladdin Movie

As a result of the actor’s efforts to show his remorse, Disney has decided to support Smith. And the insider shared, “Disney is keen to stand by him and bring him back into the fold.” Because of the time needed to finish writing, cast, and shoot the film, “the consensus is that it will all be very much in the past by the time the movie is released,” added the insider.

Will Smith reportedly set to return as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin 2 https://t.co/pOxjTqrM24

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) January 24, 2023

And the source pointed out that the first Aladdin film turned into a box office hit. “The first film was a huge success so it would be silly not to make another,” added the insider. “And it would be a real shame to have to re-cast Will over what happened.” Directed by Guy Ritchie, the 2019 movie took in more than £ 800 million at the box office. In addition to Smith, possible returning stars include Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine.

Both reportedly feel enthusiastic about returning for a second movie. And Mena offered an update just last month. “There was a change with the writers” explained the actor. “And they are working on a new draft. If Aladdin 2 happens, that’s fantastic. It should happen. It’s not going to be based off the animated version. This is going to be a new original story.”

Tell us what you think. Do you feel Disney made the right decision to bring back Will Smith for the sequel to Aladdin? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.

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