Will Smith receives backlash over first look of 'Aladdin' remake

The live-action remake of 1992's hit animated film Aladdin has had everyone jumping in excitement. Many fans have been anticipating its release since the remake was announced. The reveal of Aladdin's first look has got everyone talking but not all has been well. While some appreciated the efforts that went into the characters' costumes and overall looks, others weren't too happy.

Actor Mena Massoud (Aladdin) is seen clad in an off white shirt featuring vertical black stripes with a red, hooded gilet over it. The bottoms are quite ragged and also have black stripes, but horizontal. His hair is kept mid-length, swept back with a maroon hat on top. But we're not quite sure what to make of this.

PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Although his costume doesn't match that of the animated Aladdin, you can still tell from a mile away which character this is. So it's safe to say the designers and stylists have managed to capture the street urchin.

Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine) on the other hand, has donned a costume very similar to the original. Although the top is not cropped and off-shoulder, the vibrant blue is very defining. Naomi is garbed in a corset style embellished top entailing cap chiffon sleeves, paired with an embroidered skirt.

We can show you the world... of Disney’s live-action #Aladdin! Get a shining, shimmering, splendid first look at the reimagined classic in our magical First Look issue: https://t.co/Kwkcdfen5v pic.twitter.com/7NbyiRRcLH

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) December 19, 2018

Her accessories include blue, jewelled earrings and a necklace, quite different from the animated version which saw Princess Jasmine wearing golden jewellery. The headpiece is also dissimilar with Naomi sporting a gold, crown-style piece ornamented with blue trimmings. Her signature long hair is hidden though.

Following Entertainment Weekly's tweet of its latest magazine cover, numerous users responded with disappointed comments. The cover featured the three leading Aladdin characters; Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and Genie but many people pointed out a major error: Genie isn't blue.

Will Smith (Genie) is seen rocking a goatee and high ponytail, much like the original. He is clad in a blue banarasi shirt and jacket, his arms adorned with various kinds of bangles. Even though we can tell that he is playing the larger-than-life role, the omission of blue skin makes a big difference.

"They had one job with the genie..." wrote one user. While another stated, "Will should have just blued himself?"

Will should have just blue himself? pic.twitter.com/vnIbKpal7Z

— James (@jamesbuttress) December 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/Camo1023/status/1075379093934403584

https://twitter.com/KevinSparrrow/status/1075383146160578560

pic.twitter.com/LpUj5X9PpQ

— trời đất ơi, it's jerry (@myjerryamour) December 19, 2018

pic.twitter.com/DIAvSrJ2jL

— 🇪🇪 Ryan Nekko 🇻🇳 (@Eu_Nekko) December 19, 2018

Amid all the criticism, Will took it upon himself to respond and reassure fans. Sharing the same cover image on his Instagram, the Hitch star wrote, "BAM!! First look at the Genie, Princess Jasmine, and Aladdin! Check me rockin’ the top knot ponytail vibes (and yes, I’m gonna be BLUE! This is how the Genie is in human/disguise form. My character will be CGI most of the movie.)"

Well, we're glad that's all cleared up!

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