We are undoubtedly living in an era of fresh reinterpretations, and another one is coming soon. A new take on the Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin, called Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, will begin filming next month. However, it’s far from the beloved 1992 Disney version we all remember.
This live-action reboot is being described as a dark, supernatural reinvention of the original legend. It will feature Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who will also produce and direct from a screenplay by Charley McDougall. Shooting is set to take place in the UK, where the story unfolds.
Deadline shared the film’s synopsis: “Aladdin, a modern-day Londoner, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw said to grant wishes — only to learn that each desire carries a devastating consequence. As those close to him fall prey to its curse, he must face a rising evil and the demonic entity that thrives on every wish granted.”
The filmmakers have a personal connection to this story and its horror potential. “We always aimed to approach horror from a personal angle — not only focusing on scares but on the human toll of wish fulfillment,” the writer stated in an interview. “This story has lingered with us, and now it’s time to set it free. Truly great horror stays with you long after the movie ends. This tale does exactly that. It’s intense, emotionally rich, and layered with dread. We’re not creating just another horror flick — we’re crafting a world around a legendary idea, complete with the paw, its mythology, and compelling characters.”
While Disney’s classic 1992 animated film remains the most cherished screen adaptation of the folktale, the story has been retold many times over the years — in animation and live action, across languages and cultures. The 2019 live-action remake of Disney’s original — featuring Naomi Scott, known for her role in Smile 2 — was the latest effort to modernize the tale.
No release date has been announced for this chilling reinterpretation of a beloved story, but our curiosity is piqued — we won’t miss it when it arrives.
