Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Genies*: “Ambitious and Non-Traditional” Live-Action Aladdin Finds Its Director

In more really weird Disney news, we’ve got more info on the live-action Aladdin that’s coming out. When we last reported on it, it seemed to be going in a prequel direction. However, that seems to have changed and to hear it described now, it will be closer to the classic animated film with which we’re all familiar. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still weird. A director was announced today whom you’ve probably guessed from the title of this post: Guy Ritchie.

Ritchie, known for directing films like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Sherlock Holmes, is helming the live-action version of Aladdin, which doesn’t at first glance seem like it would be his cup of tea. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, “part of the non-traditional aspect of the project is the studio’s intent to make it non-linear, a move right out of the Ritchie playbook.”

Could Quentin Tarantino directing a live-action Hercules be far behind?

Writer John August, who wrote the scripts for Go, Big Fish, and Frankenweenie as well as co-hosts the popular Scriptnotes podcast, in on writing duty for this remake, and it’s being produced for Disney by Sherlock producer Dan Lin through his Lin Pictures, along with Jonathan Eirich, who will executive produce.

[Insert annoyed comment about this being yet another upcoming Hollywood film with an all-male creative team here.] *sigh*

It feels like Disney is starting to go a little off the deep end when it comes to its live action adaptations and, in an attempt to continually push the envelope have just gone bananas. Between this and the Mulan remake, could we be at the end of the Disney live-actionifying trend? Are you here for a live-action Aladdin? Tell us in the comments below!

(image via Disney)

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