Guy Ritchie is in talks with Disney to direct Aladdin, the latest in the studio’s efforts to re-imagine classic properties for contemporary audiences. Big Fish scribe John August has written the script and The Lego Movie‘s Dan Lin is producing. Those franchise launches have included Maleficent, Cinderella and most recently the $965 million global grosser The Jungle Book. The hope is to start a new franchise here.
Ritchie, who directed the first two Sherlock Holmes films with Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, most recently wrapped King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword with Charlie Hunnam and Law for Warner Bros. CAA made his deal.
Aladdin, the 1992 Disney classic animated feature, won two Oscars, with Robin Williams voicing the genie.
Disney has several more of these coming. Next to be released on March 17 will be Beauty And The Beast, followed by Mary Poppins Returns on December 25, 2018. The studio has Mulan on a fast track, with a script by Dawn Of The Planet of the Apes’ Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, and a November 2, 2018 release date. Jon Favreau, who helmed Jungle Book, is directing a live-action The Lion King.
