Will Smith’s ‘Prince Ali’ just hit the internet, and the reception on Twitter isn’t great

May 14, 2019

By Sam Bigelow

This was bound to happen eventually. Disney has released a clip of Will Smith performing “Prince Ali” in the upcoming live-action “Aladdin” remake, and Twitter is not having it.

The musical number, which can be seen via IGN, features Will Smith’s Genie performing the musical number, which features dancers, tumblers and elephants. While Smith belts out the song’s lyrics, he doesn’t do much in terms of choreography or movement.

Watch Will Smith perform "Prince Ali" in this new clip from #Aladdin! pic.twitter.com/T24OzFl3bf

— IGN (@IGN) May 14, 2019

Many people on Twitter are taking shots at the performance for the slower tempo, low energy and Smith’s “underwhelming” performance, but others are willing to cut it some slack for now. Some are even negatively comparing the number to the Broadway version of the film.

This rendition of Prince Ali is reminding me of the TV remake of Grease. #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/73CQJbyGWc

— Sarah O'Connell (@SarahO_Connell) May 14, 2019

The good news is that I can get copious food-and-drink during my #Aladdin screening, because I now know that I can absolutely use the restroom during the "Prince Ali" sequence.

— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) May 14, 2019

**VIDEO** Will Smith performing “Prince Ali” for the upcoming #Aladdin

(sigh) … I’m REALLY trying to be supportive because it’s a childhood favorite, but this movie could be REALLY bad pic.twitter.com/rzkKV3QVAC

— 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗦 (@TommySledge) May 14, 2019

If an uptempo number like “Prince Ali” comes off this sluggish and low-energy, a ballad like “A Whole New World” will be like listening to the shifting of tectonic plates.

— Glen Weldon (@ghweldon) May 14, 2019

That was underwhelming, but let's give it a chance. They cut it before the build up.

But hey, we'll still always have this. 😊https://t.co/R2CmqnW1sa

— Eri Neeman (@erineeman) May 14, 2019

https://twitter.com/arthur_affect/status/1128191787476983808

https://twitter.com/jasondashbailey/status/1128314773521731584

'Prince Ali' is one of my favourite Disney songs (and sequences). It's PERFECT. This is hard to watch.

— Amy West (@amywestyy) May 14, 2019

NEWS FLASH Will Smith’s Prince Ali version is not as flashy because this is a live-action, NOT a cartoon. Give Will’s Genie a chance! Geesh #May24th #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/uzWNsz7C3q

— Joshua Chenault (@joshuachenault1) May 14, 2019

“Aladdin” stars Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine and comes to theaters on May 24, whether you’re ready or not.