Will Smith felt "terrified" playing the role of the Genie in Disney’s live-action ‘Aladdin’.
The Hollywood star has taken on the role previously held by the late Robin Williams – whose performance in the 1992 animated version of ‘Aladdin’ was widely hailed by fans – and Will has admitted to being slightly intimidated about having to follow in the footsteps of the actor, who committed suicide in 2014.
He said: "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, 50, also teased the much-anticipated new movie, which stars the likes of Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud.
Speaking to ‘Entertainment Tonight’, he enthused: "It’s one of the greatest film-making experiences that I have ever had.
"I have worked at most of the studios, and Disney just knows what they are doing. 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."
Meanwhile, Will – who has also enjoyed success as a rapper – previously claimed that hard work, not talent, is the key to his fame.
The global star – who is married to actress Jada Pinkett Smith – explained: "When I moved into acting that was the first time I started applying skill to my talents.
"You know, I look at skill and talent separately. You’re born with talent and there are certain things that you just do naturally. You were gifted with a talent and you have it. But skill is acquired through discipline."
Will Smith: I felt terrified playing the Genie in Aladdin
