Zayn and Zhavia Ward take on Aladdin‘s “A Whole New World” in the upcoming live-action version of Disney’s classic animated film. The updated version of the popular song was produced by Saltwives and will be featured in the movie’s end credits. The original song by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman earned an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy.
The just-released “A Whole New World” music video was directed by Philip Andelman. The single’s available now and the digital soundtrack will be released on May 21st. The physical album arrives on May 24th.
“The selection of artists, producer and tonal direction was critical for the success of updating a classic song like this,” stated Mitchell Leib, president of Music & Soundtracks for the Walt Disney Studios. “Zayn’s vocals are like no other and his artistic imprint immediately brought a contemporary and diverse presence. Additionally, Zayn could have chosen any artist in the world to collaborate with on the duet, but he personally selected Zhavia for her unique perspective, powerful vocal abilities and to platform a talented new artist, ensuring that the audience could discover this song, again, for the first time.”
Aladdin star Will Smith and DJ Khaled are performing the “re-invented” version of “Friend Like Me.” That song will also be included in the film’s end credits.
In addition to Will Smith, the cast includes Mena Massoud as the charming scoundrel Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine, the beautiful, self-determined princess; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer; Navid Negahban as the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante; Billy Magnussen as the handsome and arrogant suitor Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards.
Guy Ritchie (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword) directed and John August (Dark Shadows) wrote the screenplay. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich produced, with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy executive producing.
Aladdin opens in theaters on May 24, 2019.
