First peek at ‘Aladdin’ has the internet wondering what’s up with Will Smith’s genie

Disney's first-look photos of "Aladdin" show Will Smith in character as the film's genie.

Dec. 19, 2018 12:55 PM PT

It’s not easy being blue — or filling Robin Williams’ genie shoes — and the internet isn’t going to let Will Smith forget it.

Entertainment Weekly published first-look photos from Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the animated classic “Aladdin” on Wednesday, featuring Smith in character as the genie, and people had thoughts about them.

In addition to Smith, the sneak peek at the film included a handful of photos featuring several other beloved characters, including Aladdin (Mena Massoud), Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) and Abu (a monkey).

But as far as immediate, visceral reactions go, Smith’s genie look definitely drew the most attention. Some took great horror in Smith’s strange top-knot ponytail and others in his deeply off-putting beard.

Thankfully, there was one thing everyone could agree on: Jafar is extremely hot.

Guy Ritchie’s film is scheduled to magically appear in theaters May 24, 2019. In the meantime, check out some of the internet’s best pith below.

libby.hill@latimes.com

Twitter: @midwestspitfire

Entertainment & Arts

Libby Hill

Libby Hill is a former television reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Her TV analysis has appeared at Salon, Vulture, Rolling Stone and the New York Times. Hill, a native of South Dakota, has a passel of cats, too many books and a perpetually full DVR.