Will Smith has revealed how he gave the iconic Aladdin song Friend Like Me a hip-hop makeover when he hit the studio to record the upcoming live action film.
The 50 year-old actor stopped by The Tonight Show to discuss the new Disney remake and admitted that he struggled with the idea of taking over from the late Robin Williams, who bought the Genie to life in the 1994 animation
But he added that what clinched the decision for him was discovering how he could put his own spin on it, and revealed that during a session in the recording booth he had them grab Impeach The President by The Honeydrippers and they used the drum beat to adapt the song, offering a sample of what fans can expect.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Robin Williams smashed that role, Will added.
When you look at things like that, you always try to find what would you do differently . . what would you add to that? I looked at it and I didnt feel like I wanted to touch it.
However, after spending time with the directors and getting to know the character, he decided to give Genie another chance – although he has proven rather controversial with fans.
One Disney fan wondered: The hell happened to genie? while another quite directly stated: Genie looks so bad.
Not exactly hopeful for the Aladdin remake, another pleaded: Its not too late to just not do this, while one admitted: Well, i was getting all excited, flipped out when i saw carpet, but then you had to go and show genie (sic).
Navid Negahban previously offered some details on the remake of Aladdin to Metro.co.uk, teasing how itll have the directors signature style.
The 53-year-old actor is set to play The Sultan in the Disney remake, which represents a significant departure for director Guy Ritchie, being known for helming stylish action in Sherlock Holmes and gangster flicks Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch.
Advertisement
Advertisement
More: Film
Guy is very sensitive, Negahban said.
He was trying very hard to stay truthful and respectful to the culture and figuring out the best way to present the character and all the monsters. Its going to be aRead More – Source
