"Aladdin Gets a Horror Makeover in New Adaptation"

We're entering an era of fresh adaptations, and the next one on the horizon is a new take on the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey's Paw," this film is set to begin production next month. But let's be clear: this isn't the 1992 Disney version that many of us cherish.

This live-action adaptation promises a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the original legend. The film will star Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, with Stryker also taking on the roles of producer and director. The script comes from Charley McDougall, and the production will unfold in the UK, where the movie is set.

According to Deadline, the film's synopsis teases, "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."

This story and its connection to horror seem to be deeply personal for the film's team. In a statement to the outlet, the film’s 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 one of the most beloved versions of the folktale, the story has been adapted into film numerous times, in both animated and live-action formats, and in various languages. The 2019 live-action remake of Disney's original, which starred Naomi Scott from "Smile 2," is the latest attempt to modernize the legend.

No release date has been announced for this horror-infused twist on a classic tale, but the anticipation is building, and we'll be eagerly awaiting its premiere.