We're living in an era of fresh adaptations, and the latest on the list is a new take on the Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin, titled "Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw." This isn't the beloved 1992 Disney version we're familiar with. Instead, it's slated to start production next month as a dark, supernatural reimagining of the classic legend. The film will star Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who will also take on producing and directing duties. The script comes from Charley McDougall, and the UK will serve as the backdrop for this chilling adaptation.
According to Deadline, the film's synopsis teases an intriguing plot: "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 twist on the tale seems 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 cherished version of the folktale, Aladdin has been adapted into various films over the years, spanning both animated and live-action formats in multiple languages. The most recent adaptation was Disney's 2019 live-action remake, which starred Naomi Scott from "Smile 2."
Though no release date has been set for this horror-infused twist on the classic, the anticipation is palpable. We're eager to see how this dark reimagining unfolds on the screen.
