Will Smith In Talks To Play The Genie In Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin

Disney is still riding high with the blockbuster success of its most recent live action remake Beauty and the Beast, but the studio has a few other projects in development, including their live-action Aladdin. Now a popular name has surfaced to take on one of the most iconic roles in Disney animation history.

That popular actor is none other than Suicide Squad’s Will Smith, who might be trading in his Deadshot costume for a genie outfit. Current reports indicate the talented actor is in talks with Disney for the Genie role in their live-action Aladdin. These talks follow Smith’s previous discussions with the studio for Tim Burton’s Dumbo remake, but those have fallen through (via Deadline). Smith would be taking the baton from the previous occupier of the role, legendary comedian Robin Williams, who’s voice became synonymous with the fun-loving genie almost instantly.

Williams suffered from a rare brain disease called Lewy Body Dementia and committed suicide in 2014. Since then it has been unknown what route the studio would take in casting the part, but it’s smart to go with someone with an instantly recognizable voice though much different in nature and tone. Right now the report says the talks are still early, so this could change as development continues.

Disney’s recent live-action Beauty and the Beast has already surpassed $1 billion in box office tallies and is just over a month in theaters. You can find the official synopsis below.

Beauty and the Beast is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.

Beauty and the Beast stars Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belles eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Beauty and the Beast is in theaters now, while Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge lands on May 26, 2017. Cars 3 is next up, racing into theaters on July 14, 2017, with Pixar’s Coco hitting on November 22nd, 2017. Disney’s live action Cruella currently has no release date, and neither does Maleficent 2, The Jungle Book sequel, or the live-action Aladdin. Toy Story 4 hits on July 13, 2018, and the live-action Mulan is scheduled for November 2nd, 2018. Mary Poppins Returns lands shortly thereafter on December 25, 2018.

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