Disney live-action news is the gift that keeps on giving. Guy Ritchie has been chosen to direct the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin.
Dan Lin, who was a producer on the Sherlock Holmes movies for Warner Bros., is producing what the studio says will be an “ambitious and non-traditional take on Aladdin” via his Lin Pictures banner.
John August wrote the script for the live-action version which sources say will keep many of the musical elements of the original. Still to be determined is the approach to the Genie, which to this day remains closely associated to Robin Williams’ defining performance. Also, part of the non-traditional aspect of the project is the studio’s intent to make it non-linear, a move that would suit Ritchie’s style.
Ritchie made his name directing snappy crime thrillers such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch that used that kind of storytelling. He last directed The Man from UNCLE and is in post on King Arthur, Warners’ upcoming take on the Camelot legend.
