"Aladdin Gets a Horror Makeover in New Adaptation"

We're entering an era of fresh adaptations, and the latest on the list is a new take on the Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw, this project is slated to start production next month. But let's be clear: this isn't the whimsical 1992 Disney version of Aladdin that many of us adore.

This upcoming live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the classic tale. The film stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who will also take on the roles of producer and director. The script comes from Charley McDougall, and the entire production will unfold in the UK, which also serves as the film's setting.

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 seems to have a personal connection to this horror-infused narrative. In a statement to the outlet, the writer shared, “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 adaptation remains the most iconic and cherished version of the folktale, the story has seen numerous adaptations over the years, both in animated and live-action formats, across various languages. The 2019 live-action remake from Disney, featuring Naomi Scott from Smile 2, is the most recent effort to modernize the legend.

There's no confirmed release date yet for this horror-infused twist on a classic, but the anticipation is palpable, and we'll definitely be tuning in when it finally arrives.