Will Smith has appeared on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon to promote the new live-action version of Aladdin which is out in a couple of weeks and revealed just how nervous he was to take on the role – and for good reason, he’s been getting slammed for his look in the movie!
The actor revealed he initially didn’t want the role and told the execs, “Hell no!”
He added, “Robin Williams smashed that role and when you look at things like that you always try to find what you would do differently, what would you add to that? So, I looked at it and the first thing, I felt like I didn’t want to touch it.”
He added that one of the things that drew him to the role was when he was messing with the music, he had them use the drums from The Honey Drippers’ ‘Impeach the President‘ and he rapped ‘Friend Like Me’ along with it.
He then proceeded to start rapping the song and it actually sounded great!
This one riff made me wanna watch the movie. Will Smith Sings His Version of Live-Action Aladdin's "Friend Like Me" https://t.co/1lEOXIq7Pn via @YouTube
— Rosa (@smartassrosa) May 7, 2019
loving this version! he literally is the best to play genie hands down! #Aladdinhttps://t.co/21r4lQHNNj
— Sarah. (@srhshrz) May 7, 2019
loving this version! he literally is the best to play genie hands down! #Aladdinhttps://t.co/21r4lQHNNj
— Sarah. (@srhshrz) May 7, 2019
Ok. Confession: didn't give 2 craps about the live action Aladdin. Will Smith's interview & impromptu singing of part of "friend like me" & the movie clip on Fallon…I'm in.
— Jenny B (@JLBNerdy) May 7, 2019
Listened to a 30 second snippet of Will Smith sing/rap “Friend Like Me” from the upcoming Aladdin film and well, it was flames. ?.
I need more. ?♂️
— Rodney Conyers (@rodneyconyersjr) May 6, 2019
Will Smith previews his version of 'Aladdin' classic 'Friend Like Me' and it's actually great pic.twitter.com/wuJ30Bwt22
— HM Shamim (@hmshamimtkg) May 7, 2019
We can’t wait to hear the full version of the song and we’re glad to hear he’s doing his own thing with the role and not just trying to copy Williams’ style.
Plus, let’s be honest, the look of the character wasn’t Will’s fault. He has serious potential to nail the role.
Watch the interview and rap here:
