Live-action Aladdin remake gets a director — but fans aren’t happy

A DIRECTOR has reportedly signed on for the live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin — but based on his CV, fans aren’t sure what to expect.

A LIVE-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin is on the way — and the choice of director has been surprising for some.

Guy Ritchie, best-known for his gritty British gangster films, is reportedly in negotiations to helm the upcoming remake of Disney’s 1992 animated hit.

The Hollywood Reporter states that John August (Charlies Angels, Prince of Persia) wrote the script for the live-action version, which it’s understood will retain many of the musical elements of the original film.

The film was a massive success and part of Disney’s ’90s golden era. Picture: Dismey Theatrical Productions/AP

What’s unclear is how the live-action remake will tackle the role of the Genie, a character which remains closely associated with the late Robin Williams to this day.

Aladdin is the latest in a spate of Disney animated classics to receive a live-action remake, with the huge success of The Jungle Book this year giving the studio free reign to mine its back catalogue for new ideas.

Guy Ritchie is in talks to helm the live-action Aladdin remake. Picture: AFP

The director of that film, Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Elf), will be back on board to direct the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King — and while Favreau’s proved he’s got the magic touch thanks to the critically acclaimed Jungle Book, fans are unsure whether Ritchie will be quite so successful.

Guy Ritchie is directing Aladdin? He probably thought it was short for "A Lad in London."

— LittleKuriboh (@yugiohtas) October 10, 2016

Jesus take the wheel before I crash this car.
Disney's Live-Action 'Aladdin' Enlists Guy Ritchie to Direct https://t.co/1izUMIUtK9 via @thr

— Lauren Warren (@iamlaurenp) October 10, 2016

The Genie in Guy Ritchie's live-action Aladdin. pic.twitter.com/J0hwCu9zBN

— The Wicker Mannion (@andymannion77) October 10, 2016

Guy Ritchie directing a live-action Aladdin, the story of a streetwise thief, seems a little on the nose

— Mitch Ward (@ModestMitch) October 11, 2016

The 48-year-old Brit, who was married to pop queen Madonna for eight years before their divorce in 2008, has in recent years turned his attention from gangster flicks to action-adventure, directing Sherlock Holmes, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.