We're entering an era of fresh adaptations, and the latest addition to this trend is a new take on the Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw," this film is set to begin production next month, but it's not the heartwarming Disney version we're familiar with from 1992.
This upcoming live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the classic tale. The cast includes Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The screenplay is penned by Charley McDougall, and the film will be shot in the UK, reflecting its setting.
According to Deadline, the film's synopsis teases a chilling narrative: "A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made."
This unique approach to the story, blending it with horror elements, seems deeply personal to the film's creators. The writer shared with the outlet, "We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes. This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does. It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there."
While Disney's 1992 animated adaptation remains the most iconic and cherished version of the folktale, Aladdin has been adapted into various films over the years, in both animated and live-action formats, and across different languages. The most recent adaptation before this one was the 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott, known for her role in "Smile 2."
Although no release date has been set for this horror-infused twist on a classic, the anticipation is palpable, and we're eager to see how it unfolds.
