In an era of reimagined tales and cinematic reinventions, a bold new adaptation of the classic Middle Eastern folktale Aladdin is set to enter production next month. Titled Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, this version takes a sharp turn from the vibrant, whimsical world of Disney's 1992 classic and dives headfirst into darkness.
Described as a "dark, supernatural reimagining" of the original legend, the film stars Nick Sagar, Ricky Norwood, Montana Manning, and Bradley Stryker, who also steps into the dual role of director and producer. Written by Charley McDougall, the project will be filmed in the UK and is rooted in a fresh, eerie retelling of the timeless myth.
According to the synopsis revealed by Deadline:
"A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made."
For the creative team behind the film, this story strikes a deeper chord. “We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes,” shared the film’s writer. “This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll — and that’s exactly what this one does. It’s sharp, emotional, and steeped in dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there.”
While Disney’s Aladdin remains the most celebrated adaptation, the tale has seen numerous interpretations across animated and live-action formats, in both English and other languages. The 2019 live-action remake, starring Naomi Scott, was the latest mainstream attempt to bring the fable into contemporary cinema.
As of now, no official release date has been announced for Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw. But with its chilling premise and deeply personal storytelling approach, anticipation is already building. One thing’s certain — when it finally drops, we’ll be watching.
