Welcome to the era of fresh retellings, with another exciting project on the way. A contemporary take on the Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin, named Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, is scheduled to begin filming next month. However, this won’t be the familiar Disney-fied Aladdin we fondly remember from 1992.
Described as a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the source material, this live-action version features Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker. Stryker will also serve as producer and director, working from a screenplay by Charley McDougall. Filming is set to occur in the UK, where the story unfolds.
According to Deadline, the official synopsis states: "Aladdin, a modern-day Londoner, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw said to grant wishes, only to learn that every wish exacts a devastating toll. As the curse consumes those around him, he must face a growing evil — and the demonic entity that thrives on every desire."
The team behind the film expressed a deep, personal connection to blending this tale with horror. "We aimed to explore horror from a personal angle — beyond just scares, we wanted to show the human consequences of wishes," the writer shared in a statement. "This story has lingered with us for some time, and now it’s ready to be unleashed. Truly impactful horror stays with you, and this narrative achieves exactly that. It's poignant, intense, and layered with dread. We’re crafting more than a standard horror movie; we're building a universe around an iconic idea — the paw, the mythos, the characters — all woven together."
While Disney’s beloved 1992 animated film remains the most famous screen version, the folktale has inspired numerous adaptations over the years, spanning animation and live-action in multiple languages. The 2019 live-action Disney remake, starring Naomi Scott from Smile 2, represents the most recent effort to modernize the legend.
A release date for this chilling new interpretation has yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building for its arrival.
