Guy Ritchie

Disney has several live-action remakes in development, but two titles in particular have attracted a little extra attention: Aladdin and Mulan. Although pop culture is becoming increasingly socially conscious, Hollywood’s unfortunate history of whitewashing has left many (rightfully) concerned over the casting for both of these films, especially since the studio behind them doesn’t exactly have the best track record with diversity. And while Disney has made it clear that they’re committed to casting actors of relevant ethnicity in Aladdin and Mulan, a new report reveals that the studio is struggling to do so for at least one of those projects.

Get your Prince Ali mash-up memes ready because Will Smith might be taking on the role of the charismatic Genie in Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin. The studio was previously in talks with Smith to play the villain role in Tim Burton’s live-action Dumbo movie, and although those discussions ultimately fell apart, it looks as though Disney might be able to land the actor for a part in another one of their many, many, many live-action remakes.

As kids tend to do, Madonna's brood is growing up!