We’ve already been exposed to the uncanny valley of terror that is Will Smith’s Genie, which makes it much easier to digest this new TV spot for Disney’s live-action reimagining of Aladdin. The latest sneak peak features the sorta-new rendition of Alan Menken and Tim Rice’s gentle ear worm “A Whole New World,” giving Naomi Scott a chance to show off her pipes. It’s nice! And there’s even some new footage in there… and oh God, it’s Will Smith’s Genie again. It’s like mental whiplash watching him switch between the horrific CGI blue Genie and the more pleasing human-form Genie.
But back to the other stars of this movie, like Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud, whose Aladdin and Princess Jasmine seem like lovely people with very pleasant singing voices. The rest of the spot is about what you’d expect—it’s a live-action version of the movie you know and love, with a couple of extra things here and there, like Nasim Pedrad as Jasmine’s handmaiden. Directed by Guy Ritchie, of all people, Aladdin also stars Marwan Kenzari, Billy Magnussen, and Alan Tudyk, and hits theaters on May 24. Here’s the official synopsis:
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.