Aladdin Gets a Horror Makeover in New Adaptation

We're living in the era of fresh adaptations, and a new take on the classic Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin, titled "Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw," is set to start production next month. But let's clarify: this isn't the beloved 1992 Disney version of Aladdin that many of us grew up with.

This upcoming live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the iconic legend. It will feature actors Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The script, penned by Charley McDougall, will see the film shot in the UK, which also serves as its setting.

Deadline has shared the film's synopsis, stating, "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 adaptation's connection to horror seems deeply personal to the film's team. The writer expressed to 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 famous and cherished version of the folktale, numerous other film adaptations have emerged over the years, spanning both animated and live-action formats, and in various languages. The most recent adaptation before this was the 2019 live-action remake of Disney's original, which starred Naomi Scott from "Smile 2."

Though a release date for this chilling reinterpretation of a classic tale hasn't been announced, our curiosity is piqued, and we'll definitely be watching eagerly for its premiere.