Aladdin first images 'look like a PANTOMIME': Fans SLAM Will Smith Genie

Entertainment Weekly just proudly unveiled the new images and tagged them: “We can show you the world… of Disney’s live-action Aladdin! Get a shining, shimmering, splendid first look at the reimagined classic in our magical First Look issue.” Unfortunately, every single comment from fans and readers has been less than shining or splendid. Normally there is a mix of adulation and abuse with any new post around a popular project, with everyone determined to have their view heard. However, this time there is an unprecedented level of agreement among the barrage of memes and mockery. What is going on?

The one overwhelming theme is the confusion and disappointment over Will Smith’s appearance. 

The character of the Genie is closely associated with Robin Williams’ turn in the animated original, so the most obvious difference is that Smith is not blue. Since this is a live action reboot, it can absolutely incorporate the fact that an all-powerful genie codul easily make himself resemble a regular human. Or perhaps he was originally a human anyway, before he was trapped in the lamp?

Either way, fans are finding it hard to accept.

There is also considerable lack of praise for the actual way the image has been shot and presented. As one comment put it: “It looks like a poster for a pantomime.”

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WILL SMITH AS THE GENIE

With two major companies, Disney and EW, combining for an all-important first look, the cover layout seems rather strange. Clearly none of the three actors are in the same shot.

The EW article clarifies that Will Smith’s “blue floating lamp form” isn’t quite finished in post-production, which explains his human appearance here and reassures fans he will appear more like the iconic cartoon version at some point.

Even so, the comments are unrelenting and overwhelmingly negative. Not at all what Disney or EW would have hoped for.

Scrolling through hundreds of comments and humorous images (including photoshopped versions with a blue Will Smith) there are no positive responses at all. Click on the EW image above to see the harsh and often hilarious backlash.

Will Smith has been quick to reiterate that he will appear more like fans expect, at least some of the time on the movie: “… and yes, I’m gonna be BLUE!”

Director Guy Richie also acknowledged to EW the inherent risk in reinventing such a beloved film and character: “The great thing about the role of the Genie is that it’s essentially a hyperbole for who that individual actor is, so it’s a wonderful platform and tapestry for an actor to fill his boots on.”

ALADDIN IS OUT ON MAY 24