‘Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw’ Will Put a Dark Spin on a Classic Tale
On January 1, 2024, the media landscape changed forever when Mickey Mouse lapsed into the public domain. After years of pushing off the inevitable, Disney finally lost complete control over its biggest star.
Since then, other famous characters, such as Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh, have become free to use.
Almost as soon as the new characters were released from copyright, independent producers in the horror sphere pounced. Following Steamboat Willie’s lapse into the public domain, for example, we saw numerous low-budget horror flicks starring the character enter production.
Photo: Sleight of Hands Prods
Now, another iconic character is set to make their horror debut.
‘Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw’
Empire Studios, Every Entertainment, and 8th Law Pictures are teaming up to create Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw.
The new horror film is described as a “dark, supernatural reimagining” of the Aladdin story.
Photo: Deadline
“A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made,” the film’s synopsis reads.
The Film Is Not Based on the Disney Character
It should be noted that Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw does not draw inspiration from the classic Disney animated film. Instead, it is based on the Aladdin of literature.
Photo: Disney
“We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes,” producer Charley McDougall explained.
“This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does. It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there.”
Photo: Also Disney+
Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw will begin production next month.
