By Zachary Leeman | February 11, 2019
Disney dropped a new teaser for its upcoming live-action “Aladdin” remake on Sunday night — and the response from the public was mixed, to say the least.
One of the primary points of criticism about the trailer was Will Smith’s new version of the genie character.
The late Robin Williams famously voiced the character in the 1992 original.
Moving the blue genie into the world of live action makes him look more than a bit awkward — and it inspired people to take to social media to call it “nightmare fuel.”
Some even took to posting memes that poked fun at the creepy looks of Smith’s CGI genie.
“Aladdin” hits theaters on May 24 and is directed by Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “Snatch”).
It stars Mena Massoud, Noami Scott and Will Smith.
The movie is latest example of Disney’s obsession with converting old content into the live action realm.
While it doesn’t exactly scream originality, the tactic has worked so far with hits like “The Jungle Book” and “Cinderella,” which were in theaters over the last few years.
Aside from “Aladdin,” the company is also planning on releasing remakes of “Mulan,” “The Lion King” and “Dumbo.”
Check out some of the reactions to the new “Aladdin” trailer below:
I'm sorry but Will Smith as the Genie in #Aladdin is nightmare fuel. Also, he's just gonna use his regular Will Smith voice?
— ?? (@6ringsgoat) February 11, 2019
Just saw the #Aladdin preview. Totally sold up until I saw the genie. pic.twitter.com/kqmQ3IMtC3
— Sam (@_SamanthasLife) February 11, 2019
the bar I’m in had the most VISCERAL reaction of horror to Will Smith in the Aladdin trailer I’m screaming
— JuanPa (@jpbrammer) February 11, 2019
did anyone actually sleep well last night after seeing the Will Smith genie picture? pic.twitter.com/SyVWWpBu8K
— Jamie Lynch (@jelynchjr) February 11, 2019
I've watched my fair share of horror movies and nothing has freaked me out quite like Will Smith playing the genie.
— Aaron (@aaronbolyos) February 11, 2019
This piece originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.
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