Will Smith has responded to critics of his Genie costume after a first look image was released yesterday.
The CGI remake is directed by Guy Ritchie and will star Mena Massoud as Aladdin, British star Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine and Will Smith as the iconic Genie.
A short teaser trailer was released earlier this year and yesterday (December 19), images of the main cast, including Smith, was shared by Entertainment Weekly – causing much derision.
Fans were quick to criticise Smith’s costume, including his lack of blue skin. In the 1992 original, Robin Williams voiced a Genie with bright blue skin.
However, Smith has now assured fans that his skin will be blue in the final cut of the film. Writing on Instagram, the actor wrote: “Check me rockin’ the top knot ponytail vibes (and YES, I’m gonna be blue!) This is how the Genie is in Human / Disguise form. My character will be CGI most of the movie”
The film is set for release on May 24, 2019.
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Meanwhile, the Will Smith starring ‘Rewind 2018’ YouTube clip has become one of the most disliked videos in the site’s history.
The round-up videos have featured on the site since 2010, highlighting the cultural and musical moments that defined the past twelve months.
In 2018’s version famous YouTubers are featured – along with Will Smith. However, many viewers were less than impressed – with the clip having gathered an enormous 13 million dislikes in its short lifespan.
Despite the hate, YouTube issued a statement saying they are happy with it.
“Every year when we release our Rewind video, our number one goal is getting the community to engage with it,” a spokesperson added. “This includes liking and disliking the video. With millions of comments, millions of likes and dislikes, and more than 100M views, we’re pleased with the results.”