DISNEY FANS have been given a first look at Will Smith as the Genie in the upcoming live-action version of Aladdin and it’s fair to say they aren’t happy.
Smith’s new-look Genie was debuted in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly in which the actor revealed the inspiration behind his take on the character.
The actor apparently drew from his roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Hitch, Independence Day and Bad Boys, adding a “hip-hop flavour” to proceedings and a “more self-aware” approach to the character and story.
Smith has big shoes to fill. Robin Williams voiced the character of the blue wish-granter to widespread acclaim in the 1992 animated version.
Whether the Men In Black actor will be able to replicate the same success remains to be seen but the initial reaction to his version of the character, complete with top-knot and goatee, has been mixed to say the least.
The film, which is being directed by Guy Ritchie, looks set to offer up a very different take on the popular character and was unveiled exclusively by Entertainment Weekly on Instagram.
Fans were also given a look at Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott's Princess Jasmine.
However it was Smith's Genie who has dominated the discussion on social media.
Some fans were left shocked.
— Amit Gawas ❤️+⚡ (@amitgawas99) December 19, 2018
Others wished they have never seen it...
A lot of people unhappy about the new-look Genie not being blue.
Genie ain't blue :'( #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/Ia9taqV1nj
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) December 19, 2018
Will should have just blue himself? pic.twitter.com/vnIbKpal7Z
— James (@jamesbuttress) December 19, 2018
Fixed it real quick. #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/FFs5oPLUUn
— Kevin Sparrow (@KevinSparrrow) December 19, 2018
Those fears were quickly allayed though - apparently Smith's Genie will turn blue...at some point.
And here’s Will Smith with more info on his genie character’s look pic.twitter.com/obNPeMoBYO
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) December 19, 2018
Here’s something I can share about the Genie; I’ve heard Will Smith is great in the role and he can change to blue which he does in the film. https://t.co/q1wjSKeQC5
— Jacob (@JacobFisherDF) December 19, 2018
The final version of Will Smith’s Genie in his blue floating lamp form isn’t quite finished, but director Guy Ritchie is giving us a tease of what he’ll look like in the live-action #Aladdin https://t.co/N9BKhVjLZO
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) December 19, 2018
Even so, many weren't all that impressed.
Just saw Will Smith as the genie in the live action Aladdin remake. My reaction....... #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/v6irLIjRC5
— Jason Wesney (@JasonWesney) December 19, 2018
What could Will Smith possibly have done to deserve this? Jada is gonna have to do a whole episode of “Read Table Talk” about this hair piece. pic.twitter.com/wMm5fysIg0
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) December 19, 2018
*upon seeing Will Smith as Genie for the first time* #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/uLpMzwE38P
— Nick Bosworth (@NickMBosworth) December 19, 2018
And there was plenty of people keen to poke fun and the whole thing.
Will Smith looks like Goro from Mortal Kombat 💀 #Aladdin #Disney pic.twitter.com/xIVKEGR3pa
— Toni Toni Chopper (@tonyshaazam) December 19, 2018
The two leads got the thumbs up though.
Aside from the Genie, CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW DAMN BEAUTIFUL THESE TWO LOOK?!? 😍😍😍 #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/u3S7rYt1ya
— shameen⁷⁺⁴🃏in the box (@illicitseoks) December 19, 2018
The live action Aladdin movie will be released on May 24th, 2019.
See More: Aladdin, Disney, Will Smith
