The new trailer for Disney’s forthcoming live-action reboot of Aladdin has been released – and it sees Will Smith making his anticipated debut as the mystical Genie.
The advert, which debuted during the Grammys last night, comes after Disney revealed the first photos of Smith in the iconic role last December.
In the new sneak peak, we see the nefarious Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) at the Cave of Wonders, before the scene immediately cuts to a colourful parade in the fictional kingdom of Agrabah.
After a brief look at Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), the trailer ends months of anticipation by revealing the moment when Aladdin (Mena Massoud) rubs the magical lamp to introduce Smith’s character for the first time.
“You really don’t know who I am? Genie? Wishes? Lamp? None of that ringing a bell?” Smith’s Genie says as Aladdin looks on in astonishment.
In keeping with the original depiction of the Genie, Smith is entirely blue with a ponytail sitting atop his shaved head.
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However, it seems that the first look of Smith’s character isn’t quite striking the desired note among fans. While many were excited, others couldn’t help but notice the resemblance to Arrested Development‘s Tobias Funke.
First look at Will Smith as the Genie in the up coming live action Aladdin pic.twitter.com/yFLxrVJXv2
— Xanny DeVito (@trevorstweetss) February 11, 2019
Is that you Tobias Funke? pic.twitter.com/xkwnAEzGHW
— David “veneco” O’ Rachadell (@DaveVzla) February 11, 2019
Others joked that it looked like an unofficial preview of Avatar 2.
Oh my gooooodddddddddd #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/9gRu7NXDO6
— Brad+??✨ (@bradmiska) February 11, 2019
This looks like a blue version of Shrek. #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/7xCEg46WvS
— Caillou Pettis (@CaillouPettis) February 11, 2019
This looks so creepy to me. Kind of off putting and just looks eerie. Just me? #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/I7FA3Ho1BY
— Caillou Pettis (@CaillouPettis) February 11, 2019
Was down for that #Aladdin trailer the whole way thru til I saw blue Will Smith. pic.twitter.com/bSBf02ul2c
— Jv Joe (@JvJoeontheRadio) February 11, 2019
Directed by Snatch‘s Guy Ritchie, Aladdin is set for release on May 24. I t’s the second Disney reboot to be released in 2019, ahead of Tim Burton’s Dumbo which is set to hit cinemas in March.