Arabian Nights Live Action Sci-Fi Fantasy in the Works for Disney
Quite a few animated films have been reimagined as of late. Now, Disney has a live-action sci-fi fantasy in the works, inspired by Arabian Nights, AKA One Thousand And One Nights.
I don’t know about you, but for me, the term Arabian Nights evokes images from Aladdin. Alan Menken wrote an original song donning the name, which was sung by Will Smith in the movie’s recent remake.
Photo: Disney
1001 Nights
Walt Disney Pictures is working on a new movie entitled 1001 Nights. The film will be based on the Middle East folk tale collection that inspired its name. (One Thousand And One Nights)
More commonly known as Arabian Nights, the collection is filled with classic stories. It was assembled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age, a period of cultural, economic, and scientific prosperity from the 8th to 14th century.
Photo: Culture Club/Getty Images
Arash Amel
Deadline reports that the project is being written and executive produced by Arash Amel. The Italian screenwriter is known for writing Rise, a Disney+ movie about Giannis Antetokounmpo, a well-known NBA player and MVP.
He also wrote A Private War, an American war drama featuring journalist Marie Colvin, played by Rosamund Pike. Details have yet to be released about the movie’s plot, but reportedly, the film will not be related to any existing Disney projects, like Aladdin.
Photo: Disney
Arabian Nights
Some of the stories inside the Arabian Nights collection include Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp and Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves. Sound familiar? Who else is currently hearing Robin Williams’ voice in their head, singing as the beloved Genie?!
Several authors, translators, and scholars collected various stories in Asia and Africa over the years. Tales from the book have been brought to life by many different directors, with Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin being the most recent rendition.
Photo: IMDb
Arash Amel has ties to the Middle East. Although born in Wales, he grew up in Iran throughout his early childhood.
The Iranian Revolution forced his family to return to the UK, and he is currently based in Los Angeles. It’ll be interesting to see his take on Arabian Nights when Disney brings the live action sci-fi fantasy to the big screen.
