So is there any merit to the idea that “Aladdin” is a post-apocalyptic tale? Unfortunately for Disney theory aficionados, the film’s creators have largely laughed this idea off. In a 2015 interview with E! News, “Aladdin” co-director John Musker was confused upon learning about it. “Far into the future? I haven’t even heard that one,” he reacted. That said, the filmmakers did confirm the accuracy of another longstanding “Aladdin” rumor.
Many viewers have speculated that the peddler from the movie’s beginning is Genie in disguise, regaling the story of “Aladdin.” The character possessing the lamp, having a witty sense of humor, and being voiced by Robin Williams combine to give this theory a lot of weight. As with all things in animation, these details were not included by mistake.
When speaking about the theory to E! News, co-director Ron Clements pointed out that these dots were indeed designed to connect. “That was the whole intention, originally,” he shared. “We even had that at the end of the movie, where he would reveal himself to be the Genie, and of course Robin did the voice of the peddler. Just through story changes and some editing, we lost the reveal at the end. So, that’s an urban legend that actually is true.”
While it may be disappointing that the idea of a post-apocalyptic Agrabah was not on the minds of the “Aladdin” team during the film’s making, that doesn’t make the theory any less fascinating for fans. In the end, whether you choose to view the film in this light or not, it doesn’t make “Aladdin” any less of a beloved classic.
