The American actor Will Smith has chosen the role of the Genie in the film Aladdin on the advice of his son Jaden, he said Monday a few weeks before the release of the remake of this famous Disney classic.
The Hollywood star had the choice of several films and “had a lot of trouble” to decide, he told reporters in Jordan, where Aladdin was filmed.
His 20-year-old son, Jaden, also an actor, encouraged him to “summarize the stories” of the scenarios.
“The last one was the Genie,” Smith said. “He took the others (scenarios) and threw them on the floor and said,” Daddy, the Genie … you have the chance to play the Genie! ” “.
“He was the first person I saw enthusiastic about me being able to play the Genie,” he said. “So it’s Jaden who made the decision. “
At the same time rapper, actor and media personality, Will Smith thus took the role of Genie, key character of the classic of Aladdin , animated cartoon released in 1992.
In an East where parrots talk and elephants dance, Aladdin, a wanderer helped by a hilarious blue genius, tries to conquer the heart of the rebellious princess Jasmine.
The classic returns to French screens on May 22, this time in the form of a film with many special effects and with the director Guy Ritchie at the controls.
Aladdin will be played by Canadian actor Mena Massoud, born in Egypt, and Jasmine by English actress Naomi Scott.
In 2017, Jordan lent its scenic landscapes to Aladdin , including the valley of the desert Wadi Rum, known for its ocher sand and located in the south of the country. The film Lawrence of Arabia(1962) was also shot there.
Wadi Rum was a “natural choice” for the shooting of Aladdin , said Guy Ritchie on Monday.
“There is such peace right in the middle of the desert,” added Mena Massoud. “There is nothing like it.”