We get it, no one will ever be able to replace Robin Williams in our hearts. Disney and Will Smith knew from the start that there were some big shoes to fill in tackling the live-action “Aladdin,” and they would have to put their best foot forward in bringing the Genie to life.
After the public’s reaction to last month’s teaser trailer, however, it seems more like a trip and a faceplant.
READ MORE: ‘Aladdin’ TV Trailer Spot: See The First Look At Will Smith As The Blue Genie
With rumors of whitewashing the cast early on and the overall skepticism of another Disney live-action remake, the Mouse House was already off to a rough start with “Aladdin.” The latest teaser, which included a first look at Will Smith’s Genie, did not help matters. The blue skin and overall CGI left the audience in shock and in stitches, comparing Will Smith to Tobias Funke from “Arrested Development,” Violet Beauregarde in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and a Smurf.
Disbelief and memes were not exactly the reaction Disney was going for with the teaser. In an attempt to get the magic and the public back on their side as quickly as they can, the first official trailer for “Aladdin” is here, maybe a bit earlier than planned. And thankfully, Will Smith won’t be blue the entire film. Entertainment Weekly‘s cover story on the new film back in December showed a non-CGI Will Smith as the Genie, no blue in sight, which the new trailer confirms. There may be hope for us yet.
READ MORE: ‘La La Land’ & ‘The Greatest Showman’ Songwriters Writing Two Songs For ‘Aladdin’
“Aladdin” will hit theaters May 24, 2019. Watch the official trailer here: