Will Smith in Talks to Play Genie in Live-Action 'Aladdin'

The role was voiced by the late Robin Williams in the 1992 animated classic may now have a new lead in
Will Smith who is in early talks for the magical, musical role in the live-action adaptation of Aladdin.

The Genie role was voiced by the late Robin Williams in the original 1992 animated film, which was part of Disney’s animation renaissance and retold the Middle East-set folk tale of a young man granted three wishes by a genie trapped in a lamp and the evil sorcerer who covets the magical object.

Smith was previously in talks with Tim Burton about the live-action Dumbo movie, but a deal never materialized due to scheduling. Smith had been trying to juggle that project and Bad Boys 3, but with Bad Boys 3 now off the table, temporarily due to a loss of a director, Smith may have more wiggle room in that department. Smith remains a high-salary player so a deal is far from a sure thing.

​If the deal make, Smith's casting would be the first big role filled for the Ritchie film, which is currently amid a worldwide casting search for its two leads.

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