10 Upcoming Movie Roles That Are Completely Miscast
6. The Genie (Will Smith) - Aladdin
Disney have been trying to get an Aladdin remake off the ground for quite some time, but production on the movie was halted when the casting process proved extremely tricky.
They struggled to find performers who could adequately fill all the major roles, but finally settled on a cast this summer, choosing Will Smith to play their Genie.
Smith is a bankable name who'll make the movie substantially easier to market, and his star power is probably why he landed the role.
Unfortunately, that star power has given the actor leverage, and there are stories of him exerting power over his movies, requesting more screen time for himself and making him the centre of attention - even if that's not what the story calls for.
Robin Williams' Genie was fantastic because he was used sparingly, and as a result, he never overshadowed the blossoming romance between Aladdin and Jasmine. He was an entertaining sideshow, but 2019's Aladdin will probably be an overbearing Will Smith-fest.
Additionally, Genie needs to be played by someone who's quirky and flamboyant, someone who's a little dorky - for lack of a better word. Smith is too cool and too badass, and that alpha-male vibe he exudes whenever he does his overly-energetic comedy bits directly contrasts the Genie's awkward charm.
Will Smith is talented, but awkwardly charming he definitely is not.