Today, Entertainment Weekly introduced us to A Whole New World, publishing the very first pictures of the cast of Guy Ritchie’s live-action adaptation of the Disney classic, Aladdin.
The "shining, shimmering, splendid first look at the reimagined classic" gave fans chills: Prince Ali was back in action, and dare we say he was looking good.
However, while the majority of fans online seemingly had nothing but praise for Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott, who play Aladdin and Jasmine respectively, they were left a little confused by Will Smith, who plays the legendary genie. If we're talking particulars, it was mostly his beard that bewildered them.
Soon after the cover was released, fans took to social media to share their concerns, with some stating the facial hair was "weird", others claiming it looked "store bought" or "photoshopped" and a third group which seemed more upset about his ponytail.
"CANT F**KING LOOK AT WILL SMITH’S GENIE WITHOUT LETTING OUT A LITTLE SNORT LMAO THAT BEARD AND THAT BUN (sic)," wrote Twitter user @wingardians.
Another user named @Blacknform agreed, putting: "Will Smith's makeup and hair is so homeroom arts and crafts. His beard and hair look like they were made out of discount cat yarn at the Hobby Lobby. I mean guys.... (sic)"
"I’m already cringing massively at Will Smith’s genie look wtf is that beard! (sic)" added @Krazykarenn.
However, the beard wasn't their only concern when it came to the live-action Genie: they weren't best pleased with his costume either.
"Looks like #genie needs makeover in the new @disneyaladdin movie #yikes. Great casting in Will Smith but whoever was the creative director for his costume should be fired (sic)," commented @laurnicpri.
Another user going by the username @twpercival1 compared the outfit to a family pantomime production, tweeting: "Not sure about Will Smith as the Genie in #Aladdin looks a bit Panto... (sic)"
The issues just kept on coming, with many people taking to social media to blast the fact that the Genie wasn't blue, like Robin Williams' Genie in the animated film.
However, this worry was quickly cleared up by Smith himself. Posting a picture of the magazine cover on Wednesday, he reassured fans that he would, in fact, be blue after all.
"BAM!! First look at the Genie, Princess Jasmine, and #Aladdin! Check Me Rockin’ the Top Knot Ponytail Vibes in @entertainmentweekly (and yes, I’m gonna be BLUE! :-) )," the Hollywood A-lister wrote on Instagram.
The 50-year-old star has spoken out about his nerves after taking on the role of Genie, claiming he was initially "terrified".
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he said: "I was terrified doing the Genie after Robin Williams. But I found a lane that pays homage. It is my own thing, you know? So, I think people are going to love it."
He continued: "It’s one of the greatest filmmaking experiences that I have ever had. I have worked at most of the studios, and Disney just knows what they are doing. It was really a spectacular team of people that came together around a classic story. It’s so spectacular, it’s such a beautiful movie and I can’t wait for people to see it."
And we can't wait to see it, Will - weird beard or not.
