"New Aladdin Adaptation Turns to Horror"

We're entering an exciting era of cinematic adaptations, and the next project on the horizon is a fresh take on the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw," this new version is set to kick off production next month. But don't expect a retelling of the beloved 1992 Disney animated film; this adaptation promises to be something entirely different.

This live-action rendition is billed as a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the timeless legend. It stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The screenplay comes from the pen of Charley McDougall. Filming will take place 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 horror elements of this story seem to resonate deeply with 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 classic remains the most iconic adaptation of the Aladdin tale, the story has been adapted into various films over the years, in both animated and live-action formats, and in multiple languages. The most recent effort to modernize the legend was Disney's 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott, known for her role in "Smile 2."

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