We're living in a golden era of adaptations, and the latest one to catch our eye is a fresh take on the Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw," this new film is set to begin production next month. But don't expect the whimsical charm of the 1992 Disney classic; this is a different beast altogether.
This live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the beloved legend. It stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The script, penned by Charley McDougall, will bring this chilling vision to life. The film will be shot in the UK, where the story 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."
The film's creative team has a deeply personal connection to this story. In a statement to the outlet, the writer shared, "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 Aladdin tale, the story has been adapted into numerous films over the years, in both animated and live-action formats, and in various languages. The 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott of "Smile 2," is the most recent attempt to reintroduce the legend to contemporary audiences.
Though a release date for this horror-infused twist on a classic hasn't been announced yet, our curiosity is piqued, and we'll be eagerly awaiting its premiere.
