Eyebrows were raised when Guy Ritchie was first announced as the director of Disney’s latest live-action blockbuster, in their retelling of their classic animation Aladdin. And yet the finished product suggests it was a brilliant choice. To celebrate the film’s release we had the pleasure of sitting down with the man himself.

Excusing my lost voice (it was the night after the Champion’s League semi final, after all) it was a fascinating chat with a director who has made such a huge contribution to British cinema across the past three decades, and now lends his distinctive sensibilities as a storytelling to the world of Disney. He explains why he wanted to step out of his comfort zone with this project, and tells us that he’s pleased he has made a film he can sit down and watch with all the family.

On that note, we asked Ritchie is he’s excited about watching his old classics, such as Lock Stock and Snatch with his children, while we also get on to the subject of Will Smith, and what he brings to the role of the Genius, that once belonged the wonderful Robin Williams. Finally we touch upon the pertinency of the film, as Ritchie explains where he sees it fitting in, and relating to a tumultuous modern climate.

Watch the full interview below:

Synopsis

A kindhearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true.

Aladdin is released in cinemas across the UK on May 22nd