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Disney announces next live-action remake; Guy Ritchie set to direct 'Aladdin'

Director Guy Ritchie takes part in SiriusXM's Entertainment Weekly Radio 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' Town Hall with Guy Ritchie, Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer on August 12, 2015 in New York City.

Disney has given the go-ahead to its next live-action remake and has named a surprising choice as its director.

Disney announced that Guy Ritchie will direct a new version of the hit animated feature film "Aladdin," Deadline reported.

The movie, which centers around a "street rat" redeeming himself after using a genie to win the heart of a princess follows, other cartoon-to-live-action films like "Maleficent," "Cinderella," "The Jungle Book" and "Beauty and the Beast," according to ComingSoon.net.

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Ritchie is known for the first Robert Downey Jr. "Sherlock Holmes" films.

Disney released its original "Aladdin" in 1992 with Robin Williams as the voice of Genie. It went on to win two Oscars.

There's no word who will take over the role of Genie or who will portray the title character.

"Beauty and the Beast," starring Emma Watson, will hit theaters on March 17. It will be followed by "Mary Poppins Returns," starring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Emily Blunt, on Dec. 25, 2018. "Mulan" is scheduled for November 2018. A live-action "The Lion King" has also been announced, with Jon Favreau is set to direct.

"Aladdin" has found new life on Broadway. The show, which opened on March 20, 2014, was nominated for Tony Awards in 2014 for best musical, best performance by an actor in a featured role, best book of a musical, best original score and best choreography. James Monroe Iglehart won best performance by an actor in a featured role for his take on Genie.