This week, it was reported that Will Smith was in early talks to play the Genie in Disney’s live-action adaptation of their animated classic, Aladdin. Smith could potentially step into the footsteps of this legendary role made famous by Robin Williams.
As it turns out, another actor was approached for the role before Smith. During the most recent episode of Meet the Movie Press, Simon Thompson and Jeff Sneider suggested that Kevin Hart should lend his voice talents to Iago the parrot (portrayed originally by Gilbert Gottfried).
Interestingly enough, Justin Kroll from Variety tweeted that Hart was actually approached to play the Genie before Smith:
Hey @ShowbizSimon and @TheInSneider funny you said Kevin Hart for Iago in ALADDIN cause they actually went out to him for the Genie B4 Will
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) April 21, 2017
Hart’s voice talents will next be seen in DreamWorks’ upcoming film, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.
The upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin will be directed by King Arthur: Legend of the Sword helmer Guy Ritchie. Production is currently scheduled to start in July, and a casting search for two Middle Eastern performers to portray Aladdin and Jasmine is well under way.
What do you guys think? Would Kevin Hart make a good choice for the Genie if he was in fact the first choice Disney sought after? Also, if Will Smith were to sign on, would he be the right call? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to follow Heroic Hollywood for the latest news regarding Aladdin and all of Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptations.
Meanwhile, you can see Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast in theaters now.
Source: Twitter
