Despite receiving mixed reviews, the Aladdin live-action reboot was an undeniable success, hauling in more than $1 billion at the global box office as well as becoming the highest-grossing film of Will Smith's career. And it appears Disney is looking to repeat that success with a second installment.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is now developing a sequel to 2019's Aladdin live-action remake, with Guy Ritchie set to return as the director. Sources tell the outlet that Smith, Mena Massoud (Aladdin), and Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine) are also expected to reprise their roles; however, casting offers will not be presented until after a script is completed, Variety reports.
John Gatins (Flight) and Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton) have reportedly signed on to write the script, with Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin returning as producers. The latter teased the sequel during an interview with Metro UK last year, revealing the follow-up would not be based on The Return of Jafar—the first straight-to-video sequel to the 1992 Aladdin animated film.
"We are talking about where the story can go but, without revealing too much, we’re looking at doing it the same way as the first movie where we aren’t doing a straight remake," Lin said. "We’re exploring lots of different ways that we can go but certainly, fans are saying, 'we want to see more of these characters,' but they want to see the next adventure."
Stay tuned as more details about the Aladdin sequel become available.
