We're in an era brimming with new adaptations, and the next one on the horizon is a fresh take on the Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw," this film is set to begin production next month. But don’t expect the light-hearted, magical world of the 1992 Disney classic; this is going to be something entirely different.
This live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the original legend. The film will star Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on roles as producer and director. The script is penned by Charley McDougall, and the entire production will unfold in the UK, which also serves as the film's setting.
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 horror angle of this adaptation seems to be deeply personal to the film's creative team. Charley McDougall, the writer, shared in a statement 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 one of the most beloved renditions of the Aladdin story, the tale has been adapted numerous times in various formats, including animated and live-action films in both English and other languages. The most recent adaptation was Disney's 2019 live-action remake, which starred Naomi Scott, known for her role in "Smile 2."
Although no release date has been set for this intriguing horror twist on a classic tale, fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival to see how it redefines the legend of Aladdin.
