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Aladdin: How the Song Speechless Ended Up Being the Most Timely

We recently attended the press conference for the upcoming, highly-anticipated live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin and learned everything about how the world of Aladdin was created, what went into the dance sequences of the film, and how the team behind the remake decided to expand upon the original animated film’s story while still holding onto the magic that made the original so impactful.

Attending the press conference were Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, director Guy Ritchie, composer Alan Menken, and production designer Gemma Jackson.

When it was first revealed that Disney would be giving Aladdin the live-action treatment, the first place my mind went to was whether or not Alan Menken would be back as the composer. This was an obvious duh! moment. However, I also wondered whether or not any additional songs would be created for this cinematic update. You see, one of the most prominent reasons why I loved the original animated film so much was because of the songs.

Aladdin: How the Song Speechless Ended Up Being the Most Timely

They embodied the idea of fun but also had this way of gripping onto your heart and never letting you go. Needless to say, it was an amazing surprise for me when I watched the live-action Aladdin and learned that Jasmine (played by the lovely Naomi Scott) had her own song titled “Speechless.”

During the press conference, moderator Dani Fernandez asked Naomi Scott what it had been like to discover the song that had been written for her to perform. Scott shared her feelings while also mentioning how important and timely the song feels for her in our world today:

“When I heard it, just the words and the lyrics and how timelessly it was. You know, the message behind the song, the idea of not going speechless. That everyone has a voice. It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter what you look like. It doesn’t matter what your gender is. Your voice matters and speaking out against injustice matters. Not just standing by and being a spectator.”

Naomi, with the help of composer Alan Menken, shared how the song “Speechless” had been written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the team behind the songs featured in movies like La La LandThe Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen. The situation itself, of singing a song that had been written by the well-known duo, was surreal enough for her. However, when it came time to actually film the scene for the song, the emotions really took over.

“That day was very emotional,” Scott admitted. “But it was really emotional because I wanted it to feel raw. I wanted it to feel like you’re feeling what she’s going through at that moment. We did some of it live as well, which was a different type of challenge. Yeah. It’s out there. For me, it’s the world’s song. Whatever it will be, will be. And whatever people will take from it, they’ll take. I’m just obviously very blessed to be the person embodying it in the movie.”

The strength of the song was apparent to all of us who got to experience the full song at the press screening of Aladdin. The rawness of the moment as Jasmine is pushed into a corner is so relatable and I can’t think of anyone who has not found themselves pushed into a similar corner where we’re questioning whether or not we should speak out about something that is wrong. This song will truly be one of the defining moments in the upcoming film and I honestly can’t wait for everyone to experience it like I did.

The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Alan Tudyk as the parrot Iago; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.

Aladdin is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Aladdin will soar into theaters on May 24, 2019.

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