In a surprising twist, Disney’s beloved Aladdin is getting a darker, horror-infused reimagining. Originally released in 1992, the animated classic took audiences on a magical journey with Aladdin, a young man who discovers a genie in a lamp and embarks on an adventure to thwart an evil sorcerer’s plans to overthrow the kingdom. But now, that classic tale is about to take a much darker turn.
According to Bloody Disgusting, B22 Films is working on a two-part horror saga, titled Aladdin and Aladdin’s Revenge, set to hit screens in 2026. Written and directed by Brett Bentman and produced by Tiffany McDonald, the films will star Devanny Pinn (Pretty Boy) and Billy Blair (One Day as a Lion).
Filming will begin in Oklahoma this month, with the story set to explore darker themes of obsession, material possession, and the dangerous consequences of getting what you wish for.
A Twisted Take on a Classic Tale
Bentman explains that this horror version of Aladdin will be rooted in the ancient tale from One Thousand and One Nights but will take a much different approach than Disney’s family-friendly version.
He describes it as a story about characters who “want things so badly, unaware of the consequences.” This obsession with obtaining material desires will set the stage for things to spiral out of control in a chilling fashion.
While Disney’s Aladdin celebrated magic, romance, and adventure, this upcoming reimagination will delve into darker, more sinister aspects of the tale.
In the original One Thousand and One Nights version, Aladdin is tricked by an evil sorcerer into retrieving a magical lamp from a dangerous cave, and he uses the genie’s powers to become wealthy and powerful, eventually winning the Sultan’s daughter. The horror take will explore how greed, unchecked desires, and the perils of magic lead to catastrophic consequences.
The Growing Trend of Horror Reimaginings
The concept of reimagining classic fairy tales and folklore into horror has gained significant traction in recent years. Stories such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Bambi have all seen darker, horror-themed adaptations.
With the source material for Aladdin being in the public domain, it was only a matter of time before this iconic tale received its own twisted update.
Aladdin is not alone in this trend. Another horror take, Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, is already in production, with a similar dark premise where Aladdin inherits a monkey’s paw that grants wishes at a deadly cost. Although no official release date has been set for this version, it shows that audiences are hungry for more twisted takes on classic stories.
What to Expect from Aladdin: Resurrection and Its Themes
The plot of the two-part Aladdin horror saga will certainly be darker, focusing heavily on the danger and moral consequences of magic. While Disney’s original film avoided the grim realities of greed, obsession, and the perils of wishes, this reimagining promises to explore these themes in a way that speaks to more mature audiences.
The central conflict in both versions of Aladdin revolves around Aladdin and the sorcerer vying for control of the magical lamp. In this horror twist, the genie’s powers will no longer be a source of whimsical fun, but rather a dark, menacing force.
Expect to see the destructive force of unchecked desires and the consequences of greed brought to life in terrifying ways.
Additionally, the presence of new characters, such as the one hinted at with Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, suggests a broader narrative universe of magic, curses, and dark forces at play. If these horror revisions live up to their potential, they may fill the gap left by the lack of a direct sequel to Disney’s live-action Aladdin, which grossed over $1 billion but has not seen a follow-up in the years since.
A Gripping Future for Aladdin Fans
This reimagining of Aladdin looks set to appeal to both horror fans and Aladdin enthusiasts looking for a new, unexpected chapter in the classic tale.
While it may not be the Aladdin many fans know and love, it will offer a new perspective on the timeless story and open the door to a dark, thrilling future for the franchise.
