A new era of adaptations is upon us—and another intriguing retelling is coming soon. "Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw," a fresh take on the classic Middle Eastern folktale, begins filming next month. Rest assured, this won’t be the lighthearted 1992 Disney version audiences cherish.
Touted as a "supernatural, dark reimagining," this live-action adaptation stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker (who also produces and directs). Filming will unfold in the UK, where the story is set, based on Charley McDougall’s screenplay.
According to Deadline, the plot follows a Londoner named Aladdin who inherits a cursed monkey’s paw—one that grants wishes at devastating personal costs. As those around him fall prey to its malice, he battles an ancient evil thriving on human desperation.
The filmmakers emphasize horror with emotional depth. "We aimed to craft horror that lingers—not just jump scares, but the ruinous consequences of desire," the writer told Deadline. "This concept haunted us. It’s visceral, atmospheric, and mythologically rich—far from generic horror."
Disney’s 1992 animated film remains the definitive adaptation, though countless versions exist—live-action, animated, multilingual—including 2019’s remake starring Naomi Scott. This latest dark twist lacks a release date, but its premise guarantees intrigue.
