"Aladdin Gets a Horror Makeover in New Adaptation"

We're stepping into an era filled with fresh takes on classic tales, and the next one on our radar is a new spin on the Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, this film is set to begin production next month. But let's be clear, this isn't the heartwarming, song-filled Disney version of Aladdin from 1992 that we all adore.

This upcoming live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the legendary story. It stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker taking on additional roles as producer and director. The script, penned by Charley McDougall, will come to life in the UK, where the movie 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.”

This unique blend of horror and the Aladdin story is deeply personal to the film's creators. The writer shared with 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 the most iconic and cherished version of the folktale, Aladdin has been adapted into numerous films over the years, in both animated and live-action formats, across various languages. The 2019 live-action remake of Disney's original, featuring Naomi Scott from Smile 2, is the latest effort to modernize the legend.

Though no release date has been set for this chilling reinterpretation of a classic, our curiosity is piqued, and we'll definitely be there when it hits the screens.