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The Walt Disney Company has reportedly elected to cancel a beloved $1 billion franchise starring Will Smith.
Credit: DC/Warner Bros.
Despite the fanfare and financial success of the live-action adaptation of Aladdin (2019), it appears that Disney has opted to chart a different course. The film, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide, was headlined by Will Smith in the iconic role of the Genie.
Initially, it seemed almost inevitable that a sequel, Aladdin 2, would be greenlit following the first film’s commercial triumph. However, the landscape shifted dramatically after the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars ceremony, casting doubt on the future of the franchise.
The controversy erupted when Academy Award winner Will Smith, reacting to a joke made by comedian Chris Rock about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, stunned audiences and viewers alike by physically striking Rock on stage. The incident, which was widely condemned and led to Smith’s subsequent ban from The Academy, raised serious questions about the actor’s public image and the viability of any future collaborations with Disney.
Credit: Disney
The live-action adaptation of Aladdin (2019) brought the beloved tale of the street urchin-turned-prince to vibrant life, enchanting audiences with its dazzling visuals and energetic performances. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film transported viewers to the bustling streets of Agrabah, where the charismatic Aladdin, played by Mena Massoud, embarks on a magical adventure after stumbling upon a mysterious lamp.
Will Smith’s portrayal of the Genie brought a fresh and contemporary twist to the iconic character, infusing the role with his trademark charisma and humor while paying homage to the animated original voiced by Robin Williams.
Fast forward two years, and it appears Disney has chosen to distance itself from the project altogether. Despite the initial excitement and momentum for Aladdin 2, the fallout from the Oscars slap incident seems to have been a decisive factor in the studio’s decision to halt development on the sequel.
While the exact reasons behind Disney’s pivot away from the project remain undisclosed, it’s evident that the controversy surrounding Will Smith played a significant role in reshaping the franchise’s trajectory. Over the last couple of years, there have been multiple reports about Aladdin 2, including one that claimed Disney may replace Will Smith as the Genie with Dwayne Johnson. Now, the company seems content moving on without making a sequel.
Credit: Disney
As Disney shifts gears, it’s worth reflecting on Will Smith’s illustrious career and contributions to the entertainment industry. From his early days as a rapper turned sitcom star in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) to his emergence as a box office powerhouse in films like Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997), Smith has left a permanent mark on Hollywood.
His versatility as an actor has been on full display in diverse roles, ranging from drama roles in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) and I Am Legend (2007) to the portrayal of real-life figures like Muhammad Ali in Ali (2001).
Despite the recent setback with Aladdin 2, Will Smith’s career continues to evolve. Smith starred in King Richard (2021), where he portrays the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, and he is set to make a major box-office comeback later this year when he stars in Bad Boys 4 with Martin Lawrence.
What do you think of Disney cutting this beloved franchise?
This post, Disney Cuts Ties With Will Smith, Axes $1 Billion Franchise, appeared first on Inside the Magic.
In regards to Disney cutting ties with Will Smith.
That was really a heat of the moment response, and truly their maybe a lot of men who might have had the same response to protect his wife or family. It’s instinctual to protect your family when in that situation. Was it right, no, but everyone understands where he was coming from.
My family and I really enjoyed WS as Genie.
Bob Igor is cutting costs where ever he can. It’s 2 bad he decided 2 cut off a sure multi billion dollar money maker sequel. Eventually, he will b selling ABC, if he hasn’t already. Things change big-time, and it’s only natural that when U have an infinite amount of money and run out of big ideas 2 try making more, U have 2 cut ties with investments, U know, sell them and start from scratch. No big deal. Hopefully ABC doesn’t start loosing its MOJO. That would b ashame.
Disney hasn’t had much success with the movies that are out now. But when Bad Boys comes out it will be AWESOME AND I HOPE IT HAS GREAT SUCCESS. Will Smith had a bad moment and he apologized and people just like to replay over and over and they don’t let it go. Come on people let it go!
Smart! Disney is finally realizing any movie they turn out, whether good, bad badly ‘woke’ or blockbuster is just a waste of money because people have cut them out of “things to do in America” so why spend the money making another flop. Good job Iger!
Would Will Smith have slapped Dwayne Johnson? Not likely – he is a bully and deserves whatever comes down the line. Karma
I believe the companies that basically canceled will Smith movies that made them a lot of money. Not only hurts those companies bottom lines. Especially movies like Aladdin that made them quite a bit of money. Only hurts the fans that wants to see the sequels, I could see if the movie was a flop like some other person commented but it wasn’t a flop I mean it’s specifically said it in the article that it wasn’t. I mean people may have not like the movie and that’s their opinion and that’s fine I respect it. But that movie made quite a bit of money compared to its budget. And I’m not minimizing what Will Smith did, he should never have then what he did to Chris Rock. But those who keep saying oh this is karma. It’s not like he’s going to run out of money. He may have lost some sponsors some movies he’s losing money there but it’s not like he’s going to run out of money in his bank account come on people. Them canceling movies hurt us the fans, our kids that are fans and some folks grandkids that are fans. I can’t believe people think that karma should keep lasting years and years and years, I get that it’s been 2 years but still. I’m sure those that are saying he deserves what he gets, would never stick up for their wife or husband. Like I said I’m not minimizing what Will Smith did at all whatsoever don’t want anybody to think that at all, since people read and pick out parts of comments what they want to see and understand and comprehend. Everybody have a great day.
Yes, he would have slapped Dwayne Johnson. The bigger they are the harder they fall. A comment was made about his wife. He took action just anybody else would. So many people have done things in Hollywood. Will Smith is no different from the rest of them. What people need to know. What God has for Will no one will be able to take away from him and I hope Will Smith knows this and not let the haters get him down. He has done what he need to do. Apologized. Move on!
I hate that Disney has let another good actor go because he bought in a lot of Cash for them
Disney Corp basing its decision on the infamous slap is absolutely stupid in my opinion. Will Smith is a very talented and versatile actor and has proven it time and again. Maybe if Chris Rock didn’t use such offensive jokes at the Smith families expense it would have never happened. I support Will Smith and his decision to take action on Chris Rock.
Bad move in my opinion. Will Smith is not just the guy who slapped Chris Rock. He reacted on impulse. I bet no one else with publicly humiliate his family. Would be slap Dwayne Johnson, no because I don’t think Dwayne Johnson would make a comment like that. No one not even the owner of Disney is perfect I’m sure he’s made a few choices that were not so Disney like.
I think its a bad call on Disney’s part, but to each his own. In a few years, they will be looking for Will for something because he is a charismatic actor that sells, no matter that he reacted in a way many men would if their family is shamed or attacked. We have all seen worse.
It’s about time people understand that you just can’t put your hands on someone because you don’t like what they say and I’m glad Disney has made an example out of him, this is why the world has gone to hell now because of bullies like Will Smith there’s consequences for everything that we do that’s not right and that definitely was Wrong! Comedians joke about a lot of things and Will has before also so keep your hands to yourself and you won’t have this problem so you reap what you sow!!
What has our world come to? Will apologized publicly and personally to him. He has every right to defend his family. He shouldn’t have done it the way he did for sure, but again he apologized. Get over it.. I think Disney has made a poor decision. Now they are teaching kids and followers that forgiveness is unattainable. We already as a nation have lost morals, now to teach children they can’t have or can’t be forgiven for mistakes takes the cake.. Bad move in my books.. Will I forgive you completely and will continue to enjoy what you are in.. Keep up protecting your family. Just differently.
That’s good for Will. I hope the new Woke Disney goes totally and utterly bankrupt. Yes it would be a terrible thing to lose Disney but, it hasn’t been Walt’s Disney for along time.
I think we should all cancel Disney.
A big mistake!! Will Smith is one of the greatest actors of our time. He made a mistake as we all do and then apologized as we all should. He defended his wife as most wives would expect their husbands to do. Unfortunately it was in such a public way. His actions as a person has nothing to do with his acting ability. I’m still a big fan Will!!
You all do not realize that there is a time and place for everything. The timing was all wrong and the consequences will be bitter for the actor. No one is above the law.
Hypocrisy on Disney’s part
Disney is doing Will like they to did Johnny Depp. It’s going come back and get them.
I think it’s adjust decision of Disney to walk away from Smith. I think Smith tarnishes Disney’s family style, especially with his wife, sleeping with other men openly. Not a good luck.
Congrats Disney.
Jerry
I think Disney made a wrong call for he only did what any other man would have done. He apologize move on will I still support you I am cancel my Disney.
Disney has always been very hypocritical. Cheap and scrooge-like Disney they suck all the life out of the talent, every last penny then uses whatever excuse to drop out of projects. One day at Disneyland in CA can easily cost a family of 4 about $1500. They’re cheapskates. Anything to back out of high priced endeavor. Stuff like this will comeback around and bite them.
I think Will Smith needs to move away from his wife…she seems to be the real manipulating problem. Disney is probably right with the cut-off. Will is an unknown and unstable element and needs to fix his own problems first.