"Aladdin Gets a Horror Makeover in New Adaptation"

We're entering an era of bold adaptations, and the latest to join this trend is a new take on the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw, this film is set to start production next month and promises a stark departure from the beloved 1992 Disney animated version.

This upcoming live-action film is being described as a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the original legend. It stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who also takes on the roles of producer and director. The screenplay is penned by Charley McDougall, and the UK will serve as the backdrop for this chilling narrative.

According to Deadline, the synopsis of Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw is as follows: “A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made.”

The film’s creative team has a deep connection to this project. In a statement to Deadline, the writer shared, “We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes. This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does. It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there.”

While Disney’s 1992 animated adaptation remains a fan favorite, the Aladdin story has been adapted numerous times in various formats and languages. The 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott, represents the most recent effort to modernize this timeless tale.

Although a release date for Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw has not been announced, the anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this horror-infused version will reinterpret the classic story.