Will Smith in talks to play Genie in live-action Aladdin

Disney began looking into a live-action Aladdin adaptation in 2015, but we haven't heard of much on the film since then. Instead, we have seen the live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book and the announcement of a live-action Lion King.

Today, Deadline is reporting that Will Smith is in early talks to take the role of the genie in Aladdin, which was previously voiced by Robin Williams in the animation. The film is said the be a live-action adaptation in the same vein as Beauty and the Beast, meaning it will be a musical as well. Luckily, Will Smith isn't unfamiliar with the music scene – he did make that 'Welcome to Miami' song, after all.

Smith was previously reported to be in talks for the live-action Dumbo film, but the deal never pulled through because of scheduling conflicts with Bad Boys 3. Since Bad Boys 3 lost its director, it looks like smith is up for grabs (and Disney wants him one way or another).

The newly re-imagined project is being produced by Dan Lin. The executive producer is Jonathan Eirich and it will be directed by Guy Ritchie.