We're living in an era of fresh adaptations, and the next one on our radar is a new take on the Middle Eastern folktale of Aladdin, titled "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw." This isn't the cheerful, song-filled 1992 Disney version we all know and love. Instead, production kicks off next month on a live-action film that promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the classic story.
Set to star Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, this film will shoot in the UK, where it's also set. Stryker isn't just in front of the camera; he'll be producing and directing from a script penned by Charley McDougall.
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 team has a personal connection to this horror-infused narrative. "We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes," the writer shared with the outlet. "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, the tale of Aladdin has seen numerous film adaptations over the years, in both animated and live-action forms, and across various languages. The 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott from "Smile 2," represents the latest effort to bring this legendary story into the modern era.
Although "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw" doesn't have a confirmed release date yet, the curiosity surrounding this dark twist on a classic tale ensures we'll be eagerly waiting for its debut.
