Why a sequel to 'Aladdin' is a diffucult decision

Disney's apparent interest in making a sequel to 'Aladdin' is a 50/50 coin toss for general audiences and fans of the remake

Naomi Scott, Mena Massoud and Will Smith in 'Aladdin' (CREDIT: Disney)

This week, we received reports that Disney is exploring the notion of a sequel to Guy Ritchie's hugely successful live-action musical remake Aladdin which is bringing to an end it's incredible box office run of $1.035 billion worldwide. No one, even the most optimistic of critics and box office pundits, didn't predict this one crawling past the glorified $1 billion mark, and in my view it's high quality (I loved the film), existence as a big-budget musical (the most profitable genre in movie's currently) and star turn of Will Smith were the key draws as to why audiences came back for repeat viewings with friends and family, pushing the movie past that once thought impossible milestone. However, will a sequel to this surprising hit be A) any good and B) hit big with audiences/fans once again? 

If you remember, Disney's original animated adaption of Aladdin in 1992 was a big hit and spawned a direct to video sequel titled Return of Jafar which bombed critically and then a third movie (which is meant to be much better) Aladdin and the King of Thieves. These weren't great and at the time it seemed like Disney was trying to cash in on the original's surprising success and new fanbase but with disappointing results. It seems, we're in the same position again. 

On the positive side, Disney are reportedly trying to get Guy Ritchie back in the director's chair and Will Smith to returning as the loveable Genie. Ritchie knocked Aladdin out of the park, combining his frenetic and exciting action style with the sense of scale, fantasy, colour and emotion of helming a big-budget, splashy musical wonder like this. His script, which he co-wrote with John August, successfully modernised the story, with key expansions to Jasmine's character proving one of the film's biggest successes (who still can't stop singing Speechless?), whilst retaining everything fans loved about the original. He was considered an unorthodox and bizarre choice when first announced as director, but my, how he proved us all wrong! Also, Will Smith's portrayal of the Genie as a Hitch-like character proved to be an instant success, and I have to say (as a big fan of Smith as someone like Tom Cruise who deserves to be a big name for the talent he has) that having his character return would be both exciting for me and a safe bet for the sequel's commercial prospect. Box office wise, Will Smith returning, along with Guy Ritchie is a big hook to fans and general audiences and would help the movie's worldwide total. When your original instalment vastly overperforms and picks up millions of new fans along the way, to the tune of $1.035 billion, even a 50% worldwide downturn puts you in large profit margins (just ask It Chapter Two after It earned over $700 million on a $34 million budget). And, the hook of maybe exploring new characters (I'm presuming instead of Aladdin/Jasmine) with the Genie trying to help someone else could work if handled well. 

However, this brings us to the negative side. Firstly, I'd argue that the film is as much about Aladdin and Princess Jasmine as it is the Genie, and to have a sequel that focusses on new characters entirely is a big commercial risk. However, their storyline is all tied up as it's a one-and-done type of narrative much like The Greatest Showman or Annie, so it would make no sense to bring them back either. I feel the same way about a sequel to Aladdin as I do the reported one for The Greatest Showman as I really can't see how it can be narratively justified. Audiences loved both films the first time around because it told a singular story of a sole protagonist that made mistakes chasing his dreams and ultimately learned to be himself and got the reward to having those they love the most around to live with forever after. Added to that, catchy songs, vibrant colours, comedy and kid-friendly action(y) events allowed for repeat viewings. I can't see how sequels can replicate that success on any level as audiences won't have the fulfilment that they did on the first go around. And, with any sequel, there's always a risk of damaging the prior film. It's not like Disney or fans really need a sequel to Aladdin or The Greatest Showman, and should instead focus on original movies like the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake for example. 

The only viable route for me is going the Mamma Mia route. That was another once-and-done storyline that was a massive success. But, it's follow up Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again justified itself by acting as a prequel showing how Donna got into the situation of having three potentional fathers for her daughter. Audiences were keen on this and showed up once again to the tune of $394 million. It was different enough from the original, but allowed all the favourite characters to come back without really undoing the comfortable place each one was left in at the climax of the original movie. So, maybe a prequel to Aladdin that showed how the Genie got trapped in the bottle, with maybe explanations to how Aladdin became a homeless orphan and Jasmine lost her mother could be the most narratively justifiable. It would allow the characters to all return again, whilst not undoing their narrative conclusions in the first movie, with the added hook of "same but new" songs. Disney was apparently considering a prequel before this movie got made, so if they really do want to bring Ritchie and co. for Aladdin movie, then a Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again-style prequel is the best option. However, the famous songs like 'Friend Like Me', 'Arabian Nights' and 'A Whole New World' are big draws and it's not like the filmmakers have a collection of other ABBA hits to delve into either, so although they managed to write new hits like 'Speechless' for this one, I'm sceptical if they can make a completely new soundtrack for a sequel that still gets audiences into cinema seats. 

We will see if and/or when this proposed new Aladdin movie is announced what form it will take. Who will be returning? Is it a prequel or a sequel? But, from where I sit, as a massive fan of one this years biggest hits and best movies, I'm not sure if another film is a good idea. At the end of the day, there's no demand for a sequel/prequel from audiences or a need from Disney to provide one, so maybe some things are better left as they are.