Scott Weinger, the voice actor behind the titular character of the original 1992 animated version of
Aladdin, recently spoke with
Us Weekly about the live-action adapation and had nothing but praise for both Robin Williams and Will Smith - both actors who played the genie in their respective versions of the classic story.
"[Will’s] gonna crush it. He’s gonna be amazing,” Weinger told the publication at the premiere of the live-action film.
“I’m sure he made it his own. I read an interview with him where he said it was intimidating to step into those shoes but he’s so ridiculously talented and amazing and charismatic, I’m sure he made it his own.”
From talking about Will Smith's new take on the genie, Weigner then spoke about the late, great Robin Williams. Weinger stated that he was a
"huge fan" of Williams before working with him and that collaborating with him on Aladdin was a dream come true, in his words he was
"geeking out hardcore over” sharing a recording booth with him.
The
Aladdin voice actor contiued, talking about what Williams was like in the studio of the original, animated classic:
I think the craziest thing was seeing him go from being thoughtful and looking at the storyboards and preparing and just being quiet and pensive and getting ready, and then the red light would turn on and the Robin Williams that we all know came alive. It was an amazing transformation. It was really cool to see. And he made me laugh so hard, I literally fell down on the floor.
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
Aladdin is in theatres now.