Will Smith Admits He was ‘Terrified’ to Play the Genie in ‘Aladdin’ Disney’s new live-action “genie in a bottle” revealed he was nervous about taking on the role after Robin Williams’ classic performance in the 1992 animated version. "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." - Will Smith, to ‘Entertainment Tonight’ Smith talked about his experience while filming the new verision of the classic film. “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 wasn’t only Disney that made the experience one of the “greatest” the actor has had. “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." The live-action ‘Aladdin’ is scheduled to be released in May 2019.