With the live-action Aladdin on the way this spring, many Disney fans have been trying to make up their minds regarding one detail in particular, Will Smith's Genie. When the first look as the actor as the beloved character debuted beside Mena Massoud's Aladdin and Naomi Scott's Jasmine on Wednesday, some fans were feeling blue about how little blue was shown in Genie's new look.
Consider your wish granted, because artist Boss Logic took to Instagram to "fix" Will Smith's Genie look for those diehards hoping for a live-action Aladdin that will be heavily inspired by the original. Take a look:
There you have it folks, Will Smith as the "blue genie" of your childhood -- Boss Logic even penciled in those pointy ears too! However, it should be noted that in the Entertainment Weekly cover story revealed that the "final version of Will Smith's Genie in his blue floating lamp form isn't quite finished." The first image is the genie in his human form, which he will take in the film. But it won't be the only look the Genie will have.
Disney fans were originally expecting to only hear Will Smith's voice for a CGI-animated blue Genie character, but this is the live-action Aladdin. I don't know about you, but it's nice to see Disney somewhat sticking to this concept this time around. There's something exciting about seeing the 1992 film being reimagined to feel real, and show human performances for the iconic characters. And a completely CGI Genie might not be able to give audiences that sense of humanity.
There's also another giant elephant in the room to think of in regards to Genie: Robin Williams' unforgettable performance. It's perhaps the biggest hurdle the live-action Aladdin could face, as comparisons will be made between the late Williams and Will Smith's version of the Genie. Maybe it helps to deter these parallels if Will Smith doesn't look just like the Genie we know.
If you look at the image above alongside the genuine first look, this edited image offers more nostalgia for the character we know and love. Still, I certainly think back to the animated Genie instead of looking forward to Will Smith's take on the role. The actor does have a completely different personality and set of talents from Williams, and as an audience we'd likely enjoy his performance more if he doesn't look like an imitation of the legendary performance.
From what we know so far, I think it's a good move for the live-action Aladdin's Genie to be a blend of what we know look-wise, as well as new choices. It seems he'll be a mixture of with the yet-to-be-seen, straight out of the lamp look and the one we've seen on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Will Smith's Genie seems to be drawing from the Broadway version of the character too, which could indicated a big movie musical feel.
In 2019, there's no shortage of live-action Disney remakes on the way -- so get ready for more comparisons of your favorites as we learn more about these releases. Aladdin comes to theaters on May 24, 2019.
