Disney would probably be hoping for a Genie to emerge and grant them three wishes that could erase the public backlash that has been directed towards the upcoming live-action Aladdin remake. After drawing criticism for subpar CGI and a lacklustre trailer, a new clip is going down just as poorly.

Disney on Tuesday released a 30-second clip from the film, featuring star Will Smith performing a new version of the song Prince Ali, in which Aladdin is introduced to the populace as royalty. Fans have taken to social media (and the YouTube comments section) to complain about the brief glimpse.

Several fans expressed surprise at Will Smith retaining his ‘human’ appearance and not transforming into the blue Genie. They also complained about the lack of energy, and lead actor Mena Massoud’s insufficient screen presence. “Something about this feels slow,” one commenter wrote. “For instance, the original was very energetic and had a lot of movement, but this has Will mostly standing in one space barely moving.”

“I was expecting Genie to shapeshift during this song just like from the animated version,” wrote another. One incredulous fan wondered if all the budget has been spent on Will Smith.

i just dont understand why disney thought /prince ali/ of all numbers should be radiating "awkward nervous first time as lead role in a play" energy pic.twitter.com/oDLPoSTLXC

— yani (@dreamyalchemy) May 14, 2019

“I just don’t understand why Disney thought Prince Ali of all numbers should be radiating ‘awkward nervous first time as lead role in a play’ energy,” one fan joked on Twitter, sharing screenshots of the same scene from both the live action and animated films. “Cersei wasn’t impressed with the Prince Ali song from Aladdin either,” joked another, adding a Lena Headey reaction shot to the video.

I couldn't get into the new "Prince Ali" song sequence. In the original, Genie was transforming and blending in the crowds acting as a "relateable" hype man to the public. You know, narrative. This is just Genie standing in front of a procession singing. There's no narrative. pic.twitter.com/E84pxrmvi3

— Gaijin Goombah (@GaijinGoombah) May 14, 2019

how could they make prince ali so BORING :(
it’s one of the best musical numbers in any disney movie https://t.co/jOXgb0ETBX

— gavin 🧸 (@belovedearly) May 14, 2019

What’s twitter mad at now? Prince Ali looking "lame"? Sonic looking "unrealistic"? #GameOfThrones being "sexist"? People are more upset over fandoms than the atrocities in the world. If as many people were mad at world hunger as Star Wars, we’d have solved some shit by now. 🤦🏼‍♀️

— Roxy Striar (@roxystriar) May 14, 2019

Cersei wasn't impressed with the "Prince Ali" song from #Aladdin either pic.twitter.com/x9RYWL74dZ

— Nelson Carvajal (@nelsoncarvajal) May 14, 2019

Just watched the new Prince Ali number with Will Smith. Sigh, I just miss Robin Williams so much guys 😞 pic.twitter.com/5u43SJFZfn

— Amanda Gomba (@the_gombodian) May 14, 2019

In that new Prince Ali clip with Will Smith, Aladdin looks like he is watching that new Prince Ali clip with Will Smith pic.twitter.com/ZajZkUd68i

— Samuel Cullado (@Cooleeauto) May 14, 2019

Criticism was also directed towards director Guy Ritchie, who is directing a musical film for the first time. “Guy Ritchie is proof you can be married to Madonna for 8 years and come out not knowing how to direct a musical performance,” wrote a fan on Twitter.

Guy Ritchie is proof you can be married to Madonna for 8 years and come out not knowing how to direct a musical performance pic.twitter.com/Me99KYUICO

— Russell Falcon (@RussellFalcon) May 14, 2019

Will Smith’s most recent screen appearance was in Student of the Year 2. He appeared in a 30-second cameo in the film, which will forever be listed on his IMDb page. The actor also has Ang Lee’s Gemini Man in the pipeline, Bad Boys 4 and Bright 2.

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First Published: May 15, 2019 13:52 IST