We are entering an exciting era of new adaptations, and a fresh take on the classic Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin is on the horizon. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw," this version will begin production next month. However, it’s not the beloved 1992 Disney-fied Aladdin we’re familiar with.
This new live-action adaptation is described as a “dark, supernatural reimagining” of the original legend. The film stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The screenplay is penned by Charley McDougall, and production is set to take place in the UK, where the film is also set.
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 unique narrative, blending horror elements with the Aladdin story, seems to be a personal project for the film’s team. In a statement to Deadline, the writer expressed, “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 well-known and cherished version of the tale, Aladdin has been adapted into various films over the years, in both animated and live-action formats, and in multiple languages. The 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott from "Smile 2," represents the latest effort to modernize the legend.
Although no release date has been announced for this horror-infused twist on a classic, the anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this new interpretation unfolds.
