Disney will be developing another live-action adaptation of one of their animated line-up. With Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book, and Pete’s Dragon currently in production, the studio has announced that they will be developing a live-action prequel of Aladdin, tentatively titled Genies. The announcement comes after the news that the studio is also developing live-action films based on Pinocchio, Dumbo, Mulan, Tinkerbell, Prince Charming, and Winnie the Pooh.

The film will focus on how the almighty wish-granting genie became trapped inside the lamp that Aladdin will eventually come in possession of. However, unlike the previous live-action adaptations, Genies will eventually lead into Aladdin’s own film.

According to THR, Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (Freddy vs. Jason, Friday the 13th [2009]) are going to pen the screenplay, with Tripp Vinson (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Red Dawn) acting as producer.

The 1992 animated film featured the late Robin Williams as over-the-top hilarious Genie, who was freed by Aladdin, the street urchin who was the only one who could enter the Cave of Wonders. After freeing the Genie from the lamp, Genie helps Aladdin win the heart of Princess Jasmine, and defeat the nefarious sorcerer Jafar. Though his master could have used his last wish selfishly, Aladdin uses it to free the Genie from the shackles of granting wishes.

But the story of Aladdin didn’t stop there; Disney would release two home entertainment sequels and an animated series as well.

THR says “the new project would focus on the realm of the Genies and reveal how Aladdin’s Genie ended up enslaved in the lamp.” The plan is to have the Genie film lead into Aladdin‘s own live-action film.

While Disney’s live-action adaptation of their animated film slate has been small, they have been very successful. Maleficent grossed over $750 million at the box office, with Cinderella grossing over $500 million at the box office. The studio is set to release Jon Faverau’s The Jungle Book next year, with Pete’s Dragon and Beauty and The Beast both currently under development.

Though Shannon and Swift are known for penning the scripts for horror films, the two are currently writing the script for an untitled Bermuda Triangle film. They have also found their way into comedy, and are penning the Baywatch movie project and O’Lucky Day, which has Peter Dinklage attached, both at Paramount.

Genie wouldn’t be outside of Vinson’s wheelhouse, as he has worked on these kinds of films before. His most recent his was San Andreas starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

[Source: THR]