"New Aladdin Adaptation Embraces Horror Genre"

We're entering an era of fresh adaptations, and the latest on the list is a new take on the Middle Eastern folktale of Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw," this project is set to begin production next month. However, fans of the beloved 1992 Disney version should brace themselves, as this isn't your typical Aladdin story.

This new live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the classic legend. The film will star Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who will also take on the roles of producer and director. The script is penned by Charley McDougall, and the production will be filmed in the UK, where the story is set.

According to Deadline, the film’s synopsis teases, “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.”

The connection between this story and the horror genre seems deeply personal for the film's team. In a statement to the outlet, the writer shared, "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 Aladdin tale, the story has been adapted into various films over the years, both in animation and live-action, across different languages. The most recent adaptation before this was the 2019 live-action remake by Disney, which starred Naomi Scott, known for her role in "Smile 2."

Although no release date has been set for this dark twist on a classic, the anticipation is high, and we can't wait to see how it unfolds.