Guy Ritchie has addressed if Will Smith’s Genie will be recast in Aladdin 2 following his scandal at the 2019 Oscars. After years of critical and commercial failures, Will Smith came back with the 2019 live-action remake, directed by the Sherlock Holmes creator, and made over $1 billion in worldwide box office receipts. Disney gave the go-ahead for Aladdin 2 in 2020 and starring Mena Massoud and Billy Magnussen revealing that it is indeed in the process, albeit only in the very early stages.
Guy Ritchie was questioned about if Will Smith’s Genie might be replaced in Aladdin 2 during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The director of The Gentlemen film and television series, Guy Ritchie, stated that he had a wonderful personal experience working with Smith and described him as “beautiful” and a “perfect gentleman.”Ritchie also stated that he had every intention of keeping Smith in the position. Additional comments from Ritchie are shown below:
I’ve never met a more lovely man, and working with him was one of the most wonderful, great experiences I’ve ever had. I never saw anything other than the consummate, generous gentleman. I wouldn’t have any issue casting Will Smith in anything, because, as I say, he was just the f——ng perfect gentleman.
How the Oscars saga has affected Smith’s career
Smith has been in trouble since he notoriously smacked and yelled at Chris Rock in March after the comedian made a joke about his wife’s weight before presenting an award at the Oscars. In addition to altering many fans’ and audiences’ conceptions of Smith as the widely adored, well-groomed celebrity, the incident resulted in his resignation from the Academy and a 10-year ceremonial ban. In the course of promoting his most recent movie, Emancipation, the actor expressed his worries that the aftermath might result in a poor reaction.
Aladdin’s Genie Was Previously Recast
It wouldn’t be unusual for the Genie from Aladdin to be recast. Due to disagreements over exploiting the late comedian’s portrayal in advertisements and to promote toys, the role of Jafar, who had become legendary thanks to the late Robin Williams, was recast for The Return of Jafar. Following an apology from Disney, Williams would return for Aladdin and the King of Thieves, but for the live-action remake, she would once more be replaced by Smith.
Although Smith’s Genie performance was praised for being a welcome change from Williams’, there is no assurance that it will be sufficient to ensure his employment. Disney will probably consider its possibilities as it makes Aladdin 2 a reality before deciding on the fate of the part; but, a lot can happen in the interim. Smith is moving cautiously after making several public apologies, giving some people the benefit of the doubt that his actions may have been an isolated incident. However, Smith wasn’t disciplined harshly enough. It’s also entirely feasible that Smith will voluntarily leave the position. The expectations for Genie are so high that if a new actor is needed, the audience will demand that a suitable substitute be found.