The Stars of Aladdin Tell All

“I’m like a shooting star, I’ve come so far, I can’t go back to where I used to be.” -Jasmine

I had the honor to be a part of the press junket for Disney’s new live-action Aladdin movie this past weekend and it was so much fun. I heard from the cast and crew that put this amazing movie together. A full review of the movie will come later this week, but in the meantime I can share what they had to say about the creative process and their experience bringing this classic film back to life.

In the beginning we were treated to a nine-minute performance from non other than Alan Menken himself. He played a medley of some of his best songs that he has written over the years. This was an absolute dream come true for me, since Menken has written some of the BEST Disney songs of all time and I grew up singing those songs. Here is that video for all of you…

After the performance a majority of the cast came out to answer a few questions. On the panel was Jasmine, played by Naomi Scott, Aladdin, played by Mena Massoud, Genie played by Will Smith, Dalia (a new character; the handmaid to Jasmine) played by Nasim Pedrad, Director Guy Ritchie, Composer Alan Menken, Production Designer Gemma Jackson.

One of the first subjects discussed was that the cast was so proud of the fact that they were a part of such a diverse group of people on set. There were all different kinds of nationalities represented, which they felt would have an immediate effect on kids everywhere being able to see actors that looked like them.

The director, Guy Ritchie, was asked about how Jasmine’s new song and role in this movie would impact viewers and he said something that really resonated with me. He said “it’s not really about gender as much as it is about an individual standing up for themselves at a pertinent time.” It was about the fact that she was the right person at the right time that deserved what she was fighting for (without giving too much away). I think this is true in most cases in life, I think it shouldn’t matter male or female, old or young, color of skin, what does matter is if you are the not standing silent.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Will Smith spoke about how it is his first Disney film and how it really was Disney magic that stirred his inner child and forced him to appreciate the moment. Will was asked if he had three wishes what he would wish for? He laughed and said he didn’t need three wishes, only one. Then he got a little more serious and said all he wanted was for divine understanding. He said if the world would just try to understand one another better it might just be a better place. That better “understanding is the seeds for peace.”

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

At the very end the question was asked who had the best dance moves and pretty much unanimously they all said Naomi, who plays Jasmine. I thought the dancing was spectacular by everyone, I actually want to go back and just watch all of the amazing choreography. Jamal Sims, the head choreographer, wasn’t at the press junket, but all the actors hailed his phenomenal work on this film.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

After the press junket we got a close up look at the costumes for the movie and some of the adorable new merchandise that you can now grab in honor of the movie.

The merchandise can be found on a few different sites; for the exclusive jewelry go to Zales, clothing can be found at Shop Disney, Target, Hot Topic & Box Lunch, dolls are from Hasbro and can be found at Target, makeup is from MAC.

Stay tuned later this week for my review of the movie, but spoiler alert, we LOVED it!;) HAHA! Aladdin comes out Friday, May 24th, are you planning to go see it?