Disney Released Its First Look At Aladdin’s Genie And The Internet Had Opinions

Eager audiences everywhere were granted their wish Sunday night when Disney revealed the first official look at Will Smith’s blue Genie in the upcoming Aladdin. The Guy Richie film is the latest live-action remake of classic Disney properties.

Unfortunately, it only took a few moments until the CGI-heavy character became a meme online. The general consensus was that he was widely mocked for his strange appearance.

Wired reported that the Genie appears somewhere in the Uncanny Valley, which is maybe why people are having such a strong reaction to the iconic character. Uncanny Valley is the unsettling feeling where an android or CGI character closely resembles human form but is ‘just’ a bit off – making the experience uncomfortable for viewers.

Below is the synopsis for the film, which is coming to cinemas May 24:

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.