Aladdin Gets a Horror Makeover in New Adaptation

We're entering an era of fresh adaptations, and the next one on our radar is a new take on the Middle Eastern folktale of Aladdin. Titled "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw," this film is slated to start production next month. But don't expect the light-hearted, Disney-fied version from 1992; this one's taking a darker path.

"Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw" is being billed as a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the classic legend. The cast includes Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who will also take on the roles of producer and director. The film, scripted by Charley McDougall, will be shot in the UK, where it is also set.

According to Deadline, the film's synopsis promises an intense experience: “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 new take on the story seems deeply personal to the film's creative team. The writer shared with the outlet, “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 version remains the most iconic adaptation of the Aladdin folktale, the story has seen numerous interpretations over the years in both animated and live-action formats, across various languages. The 2019 live-action remake, featuring Naomi Scott from "Smile 2," is the latest attempt to modernize the tale.

No release date has been set for this chilling twist on a timeless classic, but anticipation is high, and fans won't want to miss its debut.