Disney has offered the first look at its upcoming live-action of “Aladdin” remake starring Mena Massoud as the titular role, Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, and Will Smith as the all-powerful Genie.
However, from the comments and reactions, the first-look photos apparently didn’t go down very well with Disney fans, and here are 5 reasons why they’re not happy.
1. Genie is not blue
One of the biggest reasons that got fans pissed at the first-look is because Will Smith’s version of Genie is not blue! How can Genie not be blue?! Instead of being a floating blue cloud, Smith’s version of the iconic character takes a human form and wears blue robes. After receiving tons of backlash, Will Smith reassures fans that his character will be blue and his appearance on the EW cover is simply Genie’s form when disguised as a human.
2. Aladdin wears a shirt
https://twitter.com/DJFLevesley/status/1075379797449195520
Another major difference about the live-action remake is that Aladdin is fully clothed. Fans apparently didn’t like it that Massoud’s version of Aladdin is wearing a shirt underneath his vest, because in the original Disney adaptation, Aladdin is shirtless, and he only wears a simple worn-out vest and pants. That’s what makes him charming in the first place, despite having no nipples. Yup, this was an issue before.
Some fans explained the reason why he is fully clothed is due to the movie being family-friendly. Furthermore, it is also how he appears in many Disney parks.
3. Jafar is hotter than Aladdin
Jafar could get it! Jasmine, I know Aladdin could show you the world but, Jafar tho #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/rTgHMzuzYq
— Jonée Lewis-Riley (@Neenee616) December 20, 2018
In the original version, Jafar is a mean, ugly and old villain whose look matches his personality. But in the remake, he is freaking hot! Maybe even more so than the main character himself! While a lot of fans are swooning over the new Jafar, who is played by Marwan Kenzari, they find it hard to hate the villain seeing how attractive he is. Some fans are even shipping Jasmine with Jafar as opposed to Aladdin.
4. Cheap-looking costumes
Many fans have felt that the costumes worn by the cast look like something people can buy at any cheap costume shop. Some said that Genie looks like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” had a Halloween episode where Smith dressed up as Sinbad. Others note that the costumes from “Aladdin’s” musical are way better than what the cast are wearing in Guy Ritchie’s remake.
5. Abu is the best cast
https://twitter.com/PWDecker/status/1075468880166903808
Apparently, Aladdin’s beloved pet monkey Abu is the one who gained the most love among the fans. Many deemed the monkey to be the best character out of the rest as it is the most believable one of all. LOL!
Even though the pet monkey is made mostly out of CGI, many fans claimed that they prefer Abu compared to the other characters as he seems closest to the original Disney adaptation.
“Aladdin” is scheduled to be released in the United States on 24th May 2019. The movie is helmed by Guy Ritchie, and will also features Navid Negahban as the Sultan, Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s loyal handmaiden and confidante, Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders, a suitor and potential husband for Princess Jasmine, and Numan Acar as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and head of the palace guards.
