Disney’s live-action remakes are often a risk. While some films resonate with both critics and audiences, many fail to recapture the original’s magic and fade into obscurity. Recently, these adaptations have faced increased scrutiny regarding gender and ethnic representation. However, a recent live-action adaptation that received mixed reviews upon release appears to be experiencing a resurgence on streaming platforms years after its theatrical debut. This spike is particularly intriguing given that the seven-year-old Will Smith-starrer has not been in the news lately, indicating that viewers are rediscovering it organically.

The film, directed by Guy Ritchie, was released in May 2019 with a production budget of $183 million. The adaptation was a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it the ninth-highest-grossing film of that year. Currently, it ranks as the eighth-most-expensive and third-highest-grossing Disney live-action remake. The film holds a 57% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasted with a 94% audience rating, reflecting its divided reception. However, streaming numbers are beginning to tell a different story.

Ritchie’s Aladdin entered Disney+’s Top 10 list in the U.S. on February 18 and is currently at #10. Additionally, the live-action remake reached #9 on Disney+ in Hungary on both February 14 and February 16. It remains uncertain whether this marks the start of a sustained rise or merely a temporary spike. For now, though, the Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott musical fantasy is officially back on viewers’ radars.

The Tragic Fate of the ‘Aladdin’ Live Action Sequel

In 2020, Ritchie announced that a sequel to his live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin was officially in development, with writers John Gatins and Andrea Berloff attached. Unfortunately, there have been few updates since then. In October 2025, an X fan account for Scott shared screenshots of a conversation where the star dismissed viral rumors about filming starting the following year, labeling the reports as “completely fake.”

Massoud has also expressed his disappointment on social media regarding the unlikelihood of receiving a follow-up for Aladdin, despite its billion-dollar success. Meanwhile, Ritchie has shifted focus to another Disney project and was set to direct the live-action remake of <em>Hercules</em> in 2022 alongside producers Joe and Anthony Russo. However, that film has been stuck in production limbo, and Ritchie is reportedly no longer involved.

Despite all this, Disney’s pipeline for live-action remakes continues unabated. The studio is preparing for the release of <em>Moana</em> on July 10, with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia taking on the titular role.

The live-action adaptation of Aladdin is available for streaming on Disney+. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.