Aladdin Reimagined as Dark Supernatural Thriller

A wave of fresh adaptations continues, with a bold new take on the Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin, titled Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, set to start filming next month. This is far from the cherished 1992 Disney version.

This live-action film is described as a “grim, supernatural retelling” of the classic tale, featuring Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who also directs and produces from a script by Charley McDougall. The production will unfold in the UK, mirroring the film’s setting.

According to Deadline, the plot follows a modern Londoner named Aladdin who inherits an ancient monkey’s paw said to grant wishes, only to learn each wish carries a devastating cost. As the curse claims those around him, he must face a rising evil and the demonic force fueled by every wish.

The horror angle feels deeply personal for the film’s creators. “We aimed to craft horror that resonates on a human level — not just fear, but the emotional toll of desires,” the writer shared. “This story has lingered with us, and now it’s ready to unsettle audiences. The best horror lingers long after the screen fades. This film is raw, poignant, and brimming with dread. We’re not just creating a horror movie — we’re shaping a universe around a legendary concept. The paw, its lore, and the characters bring it all to life.”

Disney’s 1992 animated classic remains the most iconic adaptation of the folktale, though the story has been reinterpreted in various films, both animated and live-action, across languages. The 2019 Disney live-action remake, starring Naomi Scott of Smile 2 fame, marked the latest effort to modernize the tale.

No premiere date has been announced for this chilling twist on a timeless story, but it’s already sparking intrigue.