June 29, 2025

🧞‍♂️ Aladdin 2 (Live-Action Sequel): Everything You Need to Know

When Disney’s live-action Aladdin hit theaters in 2019, it was more than just a remake — it was a dazzling success. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film reimagined the animated classic with a multicultural cast, bold visuals, and a modern sensibility. It earned over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of Disney’s most successful live-action adaptations.

Naturally, fans expected a sequel. And indeed, Disney confirmed one was in development. But years later, the project has gone strangely silent. So, is Aladdin 2 still happening?

Let’s explore the latest updates, cast news, creative changes, and whether the magic carpet will fly again.

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✅ Confirmed: Disney Announced a Sequel in 2020

In early 2020, following Aladdin’s success, Disney officially confirmed that a live-action sequel was in the works:

• Guy Ritchie was set to return as director.

• Screenwriters John Gatins (Flight) and Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton) were hired.

• The story was not to follow The Return of Jafar (the animated sequel), but instead be a completely original adventure.

Producer Dan Lin promised it would be “fresh and theatrical,” moving the franchise forward in new directions.

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🟡 Development Stalled: What Happened?

While the announcement excited fans, actual development has been slow. Several key issues have contributed to the delay:

1. ✍️ Script Troubles

The original script was reportedly discarded, and Disney went back to the drawing board. Writing a story that lives up to the original’s legacy — while expanding the universe and staying culturally sensitive — has proven more complicated than expected.

2. 🪧 Hollywood Strikes

The Writers Guild and Actors Guild strikes in 2023 brought development to a halt across the industry, including Aladdin 2.

3. 🏛️ Disney’s New Direction

Since Bob Iger’s return as CEO, Disney has been scaling back expensive projects. A number of live-action films — including Hercules, Tron 3, and Pirates 6 — are facing internal delays or re-evaluations. Aladdin 2 appears to be one of them.

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🎙️ What the Cast Has Said

Mena Massoud (Aladdin)

In 2023, he tweeted:

“Very unlikely at this point,”
when asked by a fan about the sequel.
He later clarified that while he’d love to return, he hasn’t received any updates from Disney.

Naomi Scott (Jasmine)

She remains open and hopeful, expressing love for her character and readiness to reprise the role.

Will Smith (Genie)

Despite the Oscars controversy, director Guy Ritchie publicly stated:

“I wouldn’t do Aladdin 2 without Will.”
Smith’s Genie was considered a highlight of the 2019 film, and his return is expected.

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🧭 What Could the Sequel Be About?

Although Disney never revealed a plot, here are the strongest story possibilities:

• Jasmine’s Reign: Now Sultan, Jasmine may face challenges balancing power and love.

• Aladdin in Royal Life: Aladdin’s journey from street thief to royal consort could present moral dilemmas.

• Jafar’s Revenge: Now trapped in a lamp as a dark Genie, Jafar could return as a powerful villain.

• Genie’s Humanity: Now free, the Genie might explore life as a mortal — or confront threats to his children.

Expect a new kingdom or magical realm, fresh songs, and deeper character arcs.

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🎬 Release Date? Not Anytime Soon

As of mid-2025, Aladdin 2 has no confirmed release date, no filming schedule, and no marketing.

If development resumes in late 2025 or 2026, a realistic release window would be 2027–2028.

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🧞 Cast: Who’s Expected to Return?

There were also rumors of a Disney+ spin-off starring Prince Anders, but that project appears to be shelved.

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🔮 Could It Still Happen?

Although the project is delayed, it’s not officially canceled. With the right momentum and creative vision, Aladdin 2 could still move forward — but for now, it’s stuck in development limbo.

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✅ Summary

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💬 Final Thoughts

Aladdin 2 had all the potential to be another blockbuster for Disney. It had a billion-dollar foundation, fan-favorite stars, and room to tell an original story. But with creative stumbles, shifting priorities, and industry-wide delays, the sequel has slipped into uncertainty.

Still, fans can hold onto hope. As the Genie once said:

“Phenomenal cosmic power… and a sequel that just needs a little push!”

Until then, we’ll always have that magic carpet ride.