Will Smith Defends 'Aladdin' Character After Fans Slam Genie's New Look
By Lauren Crawford
December 19, 2018
The Internet 1, Will Smith's Genie character, 0.
Peoples reactions to Will Smith as Genie in the forthcoming live-action Aladdin has further proved the Internet has zero chill. The 50-year-old actor was forced to defend his character's appearance after Entertainment Weekly revealed the first photos of the Disney film and fans had... mixed reactions (to put it nicely). In short, many were appalled, downright flabbergasted, by the fact that Genie was not blue in the shots shown of the film, and they weren't shy about sharing their negative opinions.
"BAM!! First look at the Genie ๐งโโ๏ธ, Princess Jasmine, and #Aladdin! Check Me Rockinโ the Top Knot Ponytail Vibes in @entertainmentweekly ๐," Will initially captioned his posting of the EW Aladdin cover to Instagram Wednesday (December 19). However, once he got wind of the non-blue Genie fallout, the legendary actor adjusted his caption, adding: "(and yes, Iโm gonna be BLUE! :-) )."
Will further explained to a fan, who asked about Genie's non-blue appearance, why he's not blue on the EW cover. "I'm gonna be BLUE! :-) This is how the Genie is in Human / Disguise Form. My character will be CGI most of the movie," he wrote.
Okay, everyone can shut up now #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/Rxep7l5RLV
— ๐ (@sheilaslalaland) December 19, 2018
Despite his clarification, fans and critics alike still took to Twitter, Will's Instagram comments, and really any and all public forums to bash him, Disney, and/or the whole Aladdin franchise for what they deemed was an incorrect depiction of their beloved Genie. (Oh how I love the Internet)
Check out some of the most savage reactions below:
fixed your genie pic.twitter.com/6qhepbUV8U
— jacksfilms (@jacksfilms) December 19, 2018
*upon seeing Will Smith as Genie for the first time* #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/uLpMzwE38P
— Nick Bosworth (@NickMBosworth) December 19, 2018
should have been Sinbad he plays a great genie pic.twitter.com/yA0qO7vwAs
— Bacon House (@Bacon_House) December 19, 2018
Will Smith: Hey Twitter, Take a look at these shots of me as Aladdin my new film.
— ๐ฆI'm your finder. (@hllwy) December 19, 2018
All of Twitter: pic.twitter.com/lS1HeQl2Mr
I have questions but Iโm gonna chill pic.twitter.com/riAultlIlw
— Dad (@fivefifths) December 19, 2018
I saw "Will Smith" trending and my heart dropped! For a second I thought he was going to play Genie in a live-action version of Aladdin.
— (((Joshua Malina))) (@JoshMalina) December 19, 2018
When I saw what genie will look like in #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/QtB85IQPiC
— The Comic Losers Podcast (@TheComicLosers) December 19, 2018
You had one job Disney... https://t.co/IDcuzL9uiB#Aladdin #Genie pic.twitter.com/MpjDybCOBs
— shinobi602 (@shinobi602) December 19, 2018
Just saw Will Smith as the genie in the live action Aladdin remake. My reaction....... #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/v6irLIjRC5
— Jason Wesney (@JasonWesney) December 19, 2018
Photo: Getty Images