Live Action ‘Aladdin’ Remake To Undergo Rewrite By Game of Thrones Writer

It looks like Disney’s live-action “Aladdin” movie is getting a screenplay rewrite. The film is a remake of the Oscar-winning 1992 animated hit where the late Robin Williams voiced Genie and is also to be directed by “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’s” Guy Ritchie. “Game of Thrones” Writer Vanessa Taylor has been brought in to take a shot at rewriting the screenplay which was originally penned by John August (Dark Shadows, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).

Ritchie is busy trying to get everything in order before he begins production, which will reportedly take place sometime this year or early 2018. There has been the previous speculation over who will play the iconic role of the Genie, but it was all answered earlier this week at the D23 Expo. Will Smith will be playing the role alongside “Power Ranger’s” Naomi Scott as Jasmine and newcomer Mena Massoud as Aladdin. The role of Jafar, the film’s antagonist, is still unknown.

Genie, Princess Jasmine, Abu the Monkey, Iago, Jafar, Sultan in Aladdin (1992). Photo by Walt Disney Productions

Changing Screenplay Lanes For Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ Remake

While the cast for the “Aladdin” remake continues to grow, a report from The Tracking Board suggests that the script is going to be rewritten. Aside from Taylor’s “Game of Thrones” writing experience, she has previously written screenplays for a variety of popular TV shows including “Alias” and “Tell Me You Love Me.” Taylor has also written for films like “Hope Springs” and “Divergent.” Recently, she is co-writing a script with Guillermo del Toro for his upcoming film, “The Shape of Water.”

However, “Aladdin” fans shouldn’t be alarmed at this news as script rewrites are definitely common for any Hollywood production. It’s worth noting that Disney is bringing in a new writer, not because of things heading wayward or that the film isn’t in capable hands; it just means that the studio is looking for more depth and substance to the story. As far as Disney remakes have been in the past few months, it needs to be close to the source material while being unique on its own. With one final casting announcement to be made, there’s still so much to talk about what’s in store for the “Aladdin” remake.