"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." director Guy Ritchie is in negotiations to direct Walt Disney's live-action adaptation of its 1992 animated classic "Aladdin." "Big Fish" writer John August wrote the new script for the live-action version.
"Sherlock Holmes" producer Dan Lin will produce what Disney says will be an ambitious and nontraditional take on "Aladdin" through his Lin Pictures company. "Hammerspace" producer Jonathan Eirich is also on board to executive produce.
According to Variety, the original animated movie of "Aladdin" was released in 1992 as a comic. It was part of Disney's animation renaissance and retold the Middle Eastern-set folk tale of a young man granted three wishes by a genie trapped in a lamp and the evil sorcerer longing for the magical object. The genie was voiced by the late "The Crazy Ones" actor Robin Williams winning audiences over with his unrestrained performance.
"Aladdin" was the top grosser of 1992 with $217 million domestically and $504 million worldwide. The animated classic movie also won Oscars for best score and best song for "A Whole New World," The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Ritchie made his name directing snappy crime thrillers such as crime comedy films "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" in 1998 and "Snatch" in 2000 and last year's action comedy film "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." He is in postproduction on the action adventure film "King Arthur" for Warner Bros. He is represented by CAA.
Disney has been seen strong performances with its live-action adaptations of animated classics including Kenneth Branagh's romantic fantasy film "Cinderella" and Jon Favreau's fantasy adventure film "The Jungle Book." It is expected to release a live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast," starring "Harry Potter" actress Emma Watson next year. It is also developing live-action versions of "The Lion King" and "The Little Mermaid."
"Aladdin" movie production team is said to keep many of the musical elements of the original. There are no words yet on cast especially the approach to the Genie as it remains closely associated with Williams' singular and defining performance.
Watch the video of Guy Ritchie to direct live action "Aladdin" and cast ideas for Disney:
