Guy Ritchie Says He'd Undoubtedly Cast Will Smith In Aladdin 2
Rachel Newton
Updated on March 06, 2026
According to legendary British director Guy Ritchie, there's just no way he could ever do an "Aladdin" sequel and not cast Will Smith in it — Oscar slap and all.
"Working with him was one of the most wonderful, great experiences I've ever had," Ritchie told The Hollywood Reporter. "I never saw anything other than the consummate, generous gentleman," he said, adding: "I wouldn't have any issue casting Will Smith in anything." According to THR, "Aladdin 2" is in pre-production as of this writing.
When it comes to getting blacklisted — whether it be by fans or studios — Smith is fully aware of his public reputation and persona at the moment, and he totally gets it if people don't want to see his work anymore. Smith told journalist Kevin McCarthy during an "Emancipation" press roundup: "I would absolutely respect that and allow them their space to not be ready."
In addition to Ritchie, there's at least one other big-time movie director who says they'd "absolutely" be down to work with Smith in the future despite the slap — Michael Bay. Back in April 2022, Bay told Entertainment Weekly: "Absolutely, 100 percent. He's a very even-keeled guy. Very even-keeled."
