The Oscar-, Grammy-, and Tony award-winning duo of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote all the songs in The Greatest Showman and almost all of the lyrics for La La Land, as well as the music for the Broadway smash hit Dear Evan Hansen, told Variety they are working with Aladdin composer Alan Menken on two new songs for director Guy Ritchie’s live-action movie starring Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Will Smith as the Genie.
Paul said they helped write a new song for Jasmine, as well as a new duet for her and Aladdin that Paul described as a “sweet song.” They also contributed a new verse for the original movie’s “Arabian Nights.”
It’s not clear if the presence of two new songs means any other tracks from the animated film will be cut, like Aladdin and Jasmine’s iconic duet “A Whole New World.” It’s hard to imagine Disney wouldn’t want to include a song that stands among the greatest in the history of its movies. But two duets? Not that we’d complain. Between Alan Menken and the duo responsible for these duets, that sounds like it could be a magical ride.
Aladdin comes to theaters next spring, on May 24, 2019.
Are you excited the movie will have new music, or would you rather a more faithful adaptation? Tell us why in the comments below.
Featured Image: Disney
