When Disney movie fans first learned that a live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin was in the works, many were unhappy–some because they despise Disney remakes altogether and many because they weren’t sure anyone could play the part of Genie as well as , who passed away in 2013.
Then Disney announced that Will Smith had been cast as Genie, leaving fans wondering how Smith might tackle a role like that of the animated Genie from Aladdin’s lamp.
But in general, Disney’s 2019 take-two of Aladdin was a success, even with those who doubted it could do justice to the story of Aladdin and , especially without the comedic prowess and quick-wittedness of as the lovable blue Genie. Will Smith embraced the role of Genie, showing us the hilarious wish-granter in a slightly different light.
But recently, it’s Will Smith who has been seen in a different light.
During the 94th Academy Awards in March, stood to introduce the next award category, but not before Will and caught his eye as they were seated in the front row. proceeded to make a joke about ‘s shaved head, likening her to “G. I. Jane.”
Moments later, Will Smith casually approached on the stage and violently slapped him across the face. The incident is known as “the Oscar slap.”
The incident not only came as a shock to those seated at the event, but also to the millions of fans across the globe who watched the live broadcast of the 94th Academy Awards from their homes. Almost immediately, Will Smith and his wife began to feel the fallout from his actions.
Now it’s possible that Smith’s behaviors will cost him the role of Genie in Disney’s second installment of the live-action version of Aladdin.
In what is called an “exclusive,” the site Giant Freakin Robot claims to have inside knowledge of a possible Smith-Disney split, as evidenced by info from the site’s “trusted and proven source” that tells them actor “Dwayne Johnson is currently in talks to join Aladdin 2 and could be working with Disney once again.”
Rumor has it that the “Oscar slap” has resulted in Smith losing his role as Genie in Aladdin 2 and that Dwayne Johnson, who has a long Hollywood resume that includes Disney’s name a few times, is gearing up to personify Genie.
Smith also has an extensive resume in Hollywood, and many of his credits have the Disney name on them as well.
Most recently, in 2021, The released on Disney+. The nature series features Smith as the focal point in the series. According to The , “is an exciting, multisensory ride through Earth’s most mind-bending portals.”
“It might seem humans have mapped every inch of our planet’s surface, but look closer and you’ll discover that there is still so much more to uncover – the age of exploration is far from over! , a Disney+ original series from , follows two-time Academy Award® nominee Will Smith on an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world to explore Earth’s greatest wonders and reveal its most hidden secrets. Throughout the six-part limited series produced by visionary Academy Award-nominated filmmaker , Protozoa Pictures, ‘s Nutopia, and , Will is guided by on an awe-inspiring journey, getting up close and personal with some of the most thrilling spectacles on the planet – from volcanoes that roar in silence to deserts that move beyond our perception to animal swarms with minds of their own.”
It remains to be seen who will ultimately play Genie in Aladdin 2. Fans await Disney’s official announcement, which could come at any time.
