The adaptation of Disney's "Aladdin," both in the animated movie and the upcoming live-action film, is rich with Middle Eastern references. But did you know that the original story of Aladdin takes place in China?
According to the South China Morning Post, the original character of Aladdin comes from a family of poor tailors living in a wealthy Chinese territory. Much of his story's Chinese aspects and influences were drawn, depicted and described as Chinese in the Victorian book versions of the story. Chinois, Chinese slippers, Chinese names, and Chinese pagodas were distinct in these literary works.
But over the years, the story of Aladdin was retold and translated with different incarnations. The character's reinvention into a Middle Eastern figure, however, stuck as Hollywood did its versions.
Hollywood based its Aladdin stories from a book written by French author Antoine Galland. "The One Thousand and One Nights," also known as "Arabian Nights," was published in the 18th century.
The narrative of Galland's work was set in China even though the characters had this Middle Eastern flair. Academics who studied the work of the author said that "The One Thousand and One Nights" was culturally less Chinese despite the setting.
Disney's Aladdin, on the other hand, was based on the 1924 movie "The Thief of Baghdad," which was inspired by Galland's literature. But Disney decided to create a fictional city for "Aladdin" since the animated film came out at the height of the Gulf war in Iraq.
Still, Disney kept the cultural influences and association of the story to its Middle Eastern inspirations. So as "Aladdin" became a box office success, only a few were aware of its true nature and origin as a Chinese tale.
Meanwhile, Disney is set to release its live-action version of "Aladdin" this summer. Most of the actors cast in the film have Middle Eastern backgrounds -- Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Jasmine), Nasim Pedrad (Dalia), Marwan Kenzari (Jafar), Numan Acar (Hakim), Navid Negahban (Sultan) and Billy Magnussen (Prince Anders).
Will Smith, however, is the only African-American star in the live-action version of "Aladdin" as the shape-shifting genie. The actor confessed that he's pretty nervous about this movie because of the cultural depictions. Also, he's filling in some big shoes as the animated version's genie was played by legendary actor Robin Williams.
Disney's "Aladdin" has been directed by British helmer Guy Ritchie. The film will hit theaters on May 24, 2019.
