Guy Ritchie's live-action 'Aladdin' to feature Will Smith as Genie?

Actor Will Smith is in early talks to play the Genie in Disney's live-action Aladdin movie.

As Genie, the 48-year-old star would follow in the footsteps of Robin Williams, whose performance in the original 1992 animated film helped propel it to box office success and critical acclaim, reported Entertainment Weekly.

Smith was earlier circling another Disney live-action Dumbo. But the Men in Black star had to walk away because of a scheduling conflict.

Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie is helming the new Aladdin movie, working from a script by John August.

The project comes amid a wave of beloved Disney toons being remade as live-action movies.

(With PTI Inputs)