Will Smith Says He Was “Terrified” To Play The Genie in “Aladdin” After Robin Williams’ Classic Performance

In May 2019, Disney’s new live-action “Aladdin” is set to hit theaters, starring Mean Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari and Will Smith, who will portray the Genie, filling the shoes of the legendary late Robin Williams, who played the role in the 1992 animated classic. 

In fact, in a recent interview with ET, Smith opened up about the role and explained how terrifying it was to fill the shoes of the late comedian. 

“I was terrified doing the Genie after Robin Williams,” Smith admitted backstage at the Latin Grammys. “But I found a lane that pays homage. It is my own thing, you know? So, I think people are going to love it.”

“It’s one of the greatest filmmaking experiences that I have ever had,” Smith continued. ‘I have worked at most the studios, and Disney just knows what they are doing. It was really a spectacular team of people that came together around a classic story. It’s so spectacular, it’s such a beautiful movie and I can’t wait for people to see it.” 

The live-action remake is set to hit theaters on May 24, 2019.