"New Aladdin Adaptation Embraces Horror Genre"

We're entering an era of innovative adaptations, and the next one on our radar is a fresh take on the Middle Eastern folktale of Aladdin. Titled Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, this new version is slated to start production next month. But don't expect the whimsical charm of the 1992 Disney adaptation; this is a darker, more supernatural reimagining of the classic legend.

The live-action film will feature a cast including Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The script comes from the pen of Charley McDougall, and the UK will serve as the backdrop for this chilling tale.

According to Deadline, the film's synopsis delves into a darker narrative: "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 element in this adaptation seems to hold a personal significance for the film's team. The writer shared in a statement, "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 version remains the most iconic adaptation of the Aladdin tale, the story has been adapted into numerous films over the years, ranging from animated to live-action, and across different languages. The 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott from Smile 2, is the latest attempt to modernize this timeless legend.

Although no release date has been announced for this horror-infused twist on a classic, anticipation is high, and fans are eager to see how this dark reimagining unfolds.