First Draft of Aladdin 3477 Screenplay Complete!

April 12, 2013By Aladdin3477Production News

Writer / Director Matt Busch has completed the first draft of the ALADDIN 3477 screenplay, a story that he has been creating in one form or another for over 20 years.

“To say this is a milestone is an understatement.” comments Busch, “While the clear vision of what I’ve wanted story-wise has existed in sketchbooks, index cards, and scraps of paper for a few years, having it all down precisely on paper is a relief… And really is the next step in kicking this huge project into gear.”

The script is of course based on the classic Arabian Nights tale, Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, but set 1,500 years into the future. Set throughout Asia, the story does begin very similar to the tale everyone is familiar with, but then spins off into many directions.

Careful not to reveal too much too soon, Busch is allowing a few key facts to keep fans intrigued.

1.) Aladdin is a scrappy thief, living in futuristic Hong Kong…

This may seem like an extreme departure from the Disney version that most are familiar with, however the original Aladdin tale is actually set in China. Busch adds, “While spending time in Hong Kong, I really enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city, which already looks like something out of the future. I knew immediately that I wanted Aladdin and his robot sidekick Fidgi to reside there.”

2.) Aladdin falls in love with Princess Kamala from India…

Busch also felt that India’s charm and royal history of exquisite palaces made the perfect setting for the Princess. “The Indian motifs in Aladdin 3477 are about as close as it gets to Disney’s version visually, but only because of some of the Muslim Mosque influence with some of the palaces.” explains Busch. “Even so, there’s much more of a Hindu influence going on throughout these locales.”

3.) It’s not a Genie per se, it’s the Jinn of Wisdom…

“I knew I couldn’t compete with the humorous Genie portrayed by Robin Williams in the Disney animated movie,” comments Busch, “So I went in a completely different direction.  The Jinn of Wisdom is more of an Obi-Wan Kenobi of sorts to Aladdin, and a character that serves both the feel and plot of the story much better.”

While the first draft of the script is complete and the general story is finalized, tweaks, nips and tucks are expected, as with any movie. From here, there will be several more passes and edits with Busch’s trusted script doctors. Another draft or two of streamlining and the script will be locked and loaded, ready for production.

Principle Photography for Aladdin 3477 is still expected to begin in the Summer of 2014, with an estimated release date at some point in 2015. Stay tuned, as new news on production is expected to drop soon!