Summary

• Aladdin 2 was confirmed by Disney in 2020, but updates on the live-action sequel have been quiet, leading to doubts about its release.
• Mena Massoud, the star of the 2019 Aladdin movie, expressed his uncertainty about Aladdin 2, stating it's "very unlikely at this point."
• The cast of Aladdin 2 would likely be similar to the original, with Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Navid Negahban expected to return, but it's unclear if Will Smith would reprise his role as the Genie.

Aladdin 2 was confirmed by Disney shortly after the release of Guy Ritchie’s 2019 live-action Aladdin remake. However, with years passing since viewers were introduced to Mena Massoud’s Aladdin and Will Smith’s take on the Genie, the future of the next live-action Aladdin movie is in doubt. There have been several updates from the cast and Guy Ritchie teasing development on the movie, but word from Disney has been suspiciously — and worryingly — quiet.

The 2019 Aladdin was a surprisingly successful box-office hit, making the 2020 confirmation of Aladdin 2 somewhat unsurprising. Despite initial momentum on the sequel being strong, however, the project soon stalled into uncertainty. While it’s not been officially released written-off yet the release date of the live-action Aladdin 2 feels further away than ever before.

Most Recent Live-Action Aladdin 2 News

Mena Massoud Gives A Disheartening Update

With years passing since any updates were given on the sequel, the latest news seems to confirm rumors that Aladdin 2 has been canceled. Though Disney has yet to put the proverbial nail in the movie's coffin, original star Mena Massoud candidly reflected on the project's status. Speaking post-strikes of 2023, Massoud said "I know they were trying to get it off the ground for a long time but I have no idea where it's at." Despite the uncertainty, Massoud seemed ready to move on, stating rather finally "It's been six years now since we shot and wrapped the project. To me, at a certain point, life just goes on."

The Live-Action Aladdin Sequel Was Confirmed

Disney Announced Plans In 2020

At one point it was widely reported that Aladdin 2 was confirmed. The announcement that Disney was moving forward with the sequel came in 2020 (via THR). However, there’s been little official news on the live-action Aladdin sequel since, and comments from star Mena Massoud seem to indicate Disney’s initial eagerness to move forward with a new Aladdin movie was short-lived. The project has hit setback after setback since 2020, including a worldwide pandemic, Disney's box office woes, and the strikes of 2023.

Stream 2019's Aladdin on Disney+.

Aladdin 2 Live-Action Cast

Who Could Return?

The cast of Aladdin 2 would likely be similar — if not entirely identical — to Guy Ritchie’s 2019 Aladdin. Before his recent comments, Mena Massoud (The Royal Treatment, Reprisal) had indicated he was returning for the sequel. It’s also likely that Naomi Scott (Anatomy of a Scandal, Charlie’s Angels) would return to play Princess Jasmine with Navid Negahban (The Old Man, The Cleaning Lady) reprising his role as The Sultan. What’s less clear is whether Will Smith would return for the sequel, and the A-lister has been quite busy in the years since.

Should the next movie be a live-action Return of Jafar, Marwan Kenzari (Ghosted, Black Adam) would likely reprise his role as the villainous Jafar. However, should the sequel go in a different direction, Aladdin 2 may have a new antagonist. Additionally, since there have been talks about a spinoff show based on his character, Billy Magnussen (No Time To Die, The Great Gilly Hopkins) would probably be back as inept suitor Prince Anders.

The prospective cast of Aladdin 2 includes:

Live-Action Aladdin 2 Story

What Could Happen Next?

The plot of Aladdin 2 is unclear, although much of the interest in the sequel of course stems from the possibility of a live-action Return of Jafar. The 1994 direct-to-VHS sequel to the original Aladdin is widely considered one of Disney’s stronger animated follow-ups. The plot, as the title suggests, saw Jafar return to once again cause havoc. While a simple premise it’s an engaging story, and one that could be easily tapped for the live-action Aladdin 2.

When Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin 2 was first announced in 2020 screenwriters John Gatins (Real Steel) and Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton) had been attached to create the story. Since the project appears to have stalled in the years since, it’s unknown if they’re still on board, or what their plans for the plot of the new Aladdin movie were. Reportedly, Disney was looking at stories from other Middle Eastern folk tales to adapt for Aladdin 2. Unfortunately, it seems that, unless the project suddenly picks up momentum again, the story for the live-action Aladdin sequel will forever remain a mystery.