A Whole New World
Hey guys, it’s Devon here! Disney Aladdin Press Conference
This past weekend, we were invited to attend the junket press conference for Disney’s new Aladdin. This junket was easily one of the most fun, just based on how lively the cast was when we got the chance to interview them!
The below talent had attended:
- Will Smith (“Genie”)
- Mena Massoud (“Aladdin”)
- Naomi Scott (“Jasmine”)
- Nasim Pedrad (“Dalia”)
- Director Guy Ritchie
- Composer Alan Menken
- Production Designer Gemma Jackson
Ancient Chemistry Disney Aladdin Press Conference
As we were interviewing them, you can tell that they all truly bonded over their time creating Aladdin. There was such a natural chemistry as they were talking, laughing, making jokes and telling stories. I would love to see some behind-the-scenes footage of the making of this film! Disney Aladdin Press Conference
At one point, a member of the press asking the cast, “If you each had a wish, any wish, what would you wish for?” Will Smith had a perfect answer, in my opinion, telling us about how he and Guy had just a similar conversation just recently. His one wish? “Divine understanding.” He goes on to explain how a world with divine understanding would lead to less conflict of any kind, and eventually get us all on the path to peace. I love that!
The Music!
One of the best parts of the movie – both this one and the original animated film – are the songs. The singing and dancing really breathes a whole new (world?) life into the movie. Both Naomi and Will took time to talk to us about how it was somewhat challenging coming into this movie in these famous roles, and still managing to make them their own. They ultimately both agreed that the way they did that was through the music. The singing, the dancing, really helped Will to get into the character of Genie; and while Naomi is no stranger to musical performances, she agreed that the music helped her create her own presence.
The Dancing!
Mena even took some time to share with us some of his experience with dancing in the film. He shared with us how long some of their practices were, and when asked who was the best at dancing, he and Will both answered without hesitation, “Naomi.” Will went on to say that during practices, the choreographers would demonstrate some moves to the beat, he and Mena would be attempting, and how Naomi wouldn’t even try and would just say, “Got it,” and perfect the moves.
Overall, this entire press junket is full of memories. Before the conference itself started, we got to see some of the costumes up close, and even some merchandise that was created based off of this movie.
One of the most memorable parts though? Right as we were waiting for the conference to begin, we were surprised with a performance by Alan Menken himself! Having composed the music for this movie, and tons of Disney music before this, it gave everybody in the room absolute goosebumps listening to this musical legend. A medley including songs such as “A Whole New World,” “Go The Distance,” “Part of Your World,” and many more gave every Disney fan in the room some amazing memories to take home.
Watch the Trailer and then head to the theaters!
If you haven’t seen the trailer yet for Aladdin, check it out below! This movie arrives in theaters this Friday, May 24th. Make sure to go see this as soon as you can, and keep an eye out for my review posted here that day! Disney Aladdin Press Conference
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