Guy Ritchie — The Mouse & The Desklamp

According to the John Campea Movie Vlog, it's looking like Will Smith will be filling the impossible to fill shoes of the Genie in Guy Ritchie's upcoming live action remake of Disney's Aladdin. Starting on schedule to film this month might pose a problem though, considering they can't find their leads. Specifically, with Jasmine at least having some names in the works, it seems they're really having a hard time with locking down an Aladdin. Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) leads the narrow list for the role of Jasmine. Yet the real problem is, with over 2,000 people auditioned, an Aladdin is still nowhere in sight. Production has been pushed back to August, while Disney has even started to consider abandoning the getting an unknown. I hope not, I don't mind Naomi Scott in Power Rangers. She's a rather fresh face as is. I really liked the idea of a total unknown for Aladdin though. It worked wonders for Moana. What do y'all think? Should Disney abandon the search for an unknown or keep trying? Let me know in the comments, like, & share.

Yup, after turning down Tim Burton's Dumbo earlier probably something hitting to close to home, you know, with the big ears thing. Seriously though, Dateline says Will Smith is now in early talks to grant some wishes in Guy Ritchie's Aladdin. Not my first pick to fill Robin Williams shoes, but when Will Smith is on he is one helluva talented actor. Not to mention if you look at his early days, he had an amazing comedic presence as well. I'll give almost anyone a chance so who knows he could knock this out of the park. It still doesn't top confusion I have about this being a Guy Ritchie movie. Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels & Snatch aren't the first things I think of when I think Disney. What do you think of Will Smith as the Genie? Let us know in the comments below.

Jun 18, 2019

Michelle Rejwan Now Senior VP Live Action Development And Production For Lucasfilm

Hollywood Reporter reports Michelle Rejwan is now the Senior VP of Live Action Development & Production. She will oversee new feature films as well Disney+ series while still producing with president Kathleen Kennedy. That seems like a hefty responsibility to drop on someone who's previous credits at Lucasfilm are producing The Force Awakens & The Rise of Skywalker. Kennedy really sees something in her though, having “seen first-hand her skills collaborating with writers and directors, and I've been incredibly impressed with her creative skills and her ability to manage the complexity surrounding these massive projects.” Can she be the Feige of Star Wars? Time will tell. After the hate Kennedy got from the last installment, which I loved by the way, one could think this is just to give her a scapegoat if things don't go as well over the next few projects. Curious to see how much influence this winds up having as a whole. What do y'all think? Trust in Kennedy? Or do you think maybe a more vetted choice would have been better? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

May 21, 2019

Disney Reveals Name of Tokyo DisneySea's 8th Port

After breaking ground in what is to become Tokyo DisneySea's 8th port, we now have its official name. Fantasy Springs will be the title, but that's not all Dismey released on the subject. They also released some beautiful day & night concept art depicting the look of the new lands. Oriental land is investing 250 Billion Yen on this project that will feature lands themed to Frozen, Tangled, & Peter Pan. Frozen's land of post film Arendelle will feature an attraction that tells the story of Elsa and her beloved sister, Anna. Sounding like the familiar Epcot ride, suests will board boats and experience the sisters’ heartfelt journey, enjoying songs from the film, and encountering surprising thrills. There will also be a restaurant set inside the beautiful Arendelle Castle. Tangled's land will naturally feature Rapunzel’s tower rising above the forest. It will also include an boat attraction where guests will board gondolas for a romantic boat tour of Rapunzel’s “Best Day Ever” as she journeys with Flynn to the lantern festival. Flickering lanterns illuminate the attraction’s climactic scene while Rapunzel and Flynn sing an iconic song from the film. The pand will also feature a restaurant, inspired by the hideout of the band of thugs who appeared in the film in the "I've Got A Dream" sequence. Neverland will also be home to two attractions and a restaurant. Featuring landmarks including verdant mountains, Captain Hook’s pirate ship and Skull Rock. One attraction will fly over the jungles of Neverland into a battle with Captain Hook and his crew of pirates to rescue Wendy’s younger brother, John, who has been kidnapped by Captain Hook and his pirates. You'll board boats and follow the Lost Boys down a river until Tinker Bell sprinkles the boats with pixie dust, & you take off flying through Neverland on an adventure that featuring iconic music and dynamic 3D imagery of the characters from the film. The second attraction immerses us in the oversized world of Pixie Hollow, while the restaurant is inspired by the Lost Boys and their hideout. There will also be a new Disney Hllyel in the park. Themed to Disney fantasy, it will rise above and around the magical springs that serve as the core of the new themed port’s story. Offering 475 deluxe-type and luxury-type guest rooms, this park facing hotel will also feature a merchandise shop that helps share the story of the magical springs. One day I'll make it out here to see all the amazingly beautiful things TokyoSea has to offer. Luckily, I have one more reason to postpone that adventure until this amazing new addition is done.