Disney going back to the lamp with live-action ‘Aladdin’ prequel ‘Genies’

Who says you can’t put the genie back in the bottle? Disney is looking to revisit the world of its 1992 hit animated film “Aladdin” with a live-action prequel called “Genies.”

Damian Shannon and Mark Swift are attached to write the adventure-comedy, which is in the early stages of development, a person with knowledge of the project confirmed to The Times.

Tripp Vinson, who is also working on a live-action Prince Charming movie for Disney, is attached to produce. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news about “Genies.”

As the title indicates, “Genies” would focus on the supernatural creatures of Arabian folklore, including the fast-talking, wish-granting blue spirit voiced by Robin Williams in “Aladdin.”

Writing partners Shannon and Swift are perhaps best known for scripting horror movies “Friday the 13th” and “Freddy vs. Jason,” but their repertoire also includes comedy: Another of their upcoming projects is “O’Lucky Day,” which is to star Peter Dinklage as a man who attempts to pass himself off as a real leprechaun.

“Genies,” which could pave the way for a live-action “Aladdin” remake, is the latest live-action Disney project that revisits one of the studio’s beloved animated movies. Others that have been released or are in the works include “Alice in Wonderland,” “Maleficent,” “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Dumbo” and “Mulan.”

Disney’s “Aladdin” franchise has also spawned two straight-to-video sequels, a TV show and a Broadway musical.

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