Fans of the Genie rejoice, for has created a special animation that features the character and uses previously unheard recordings from the late .
Actor and comedian Williams made a huge impression in the 1992 Disney flick, improvising many of his lines and finding a place in the hearts of many fans thanks to his energetic vocal performance.
He also gave iconic renditions of classic songs Prince Ali and Friend Like Me, written by Disney musical duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
Although Williams did not voice the Genie in 1994’s direct-to-video film The Return of Jafar due to a falling out with Disney, he returned to reprise his role for Aladdin and the King of Thieves in 1996.
for the 2019 live-action remake, directed by Guy Ritchie.
Now, Josh Gad – himself thanks to his turn as – has revealed that there’s a new snippet of Robin Williams’ Genie to come, as part of the company’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
‘Now that it’s premiered at Annecy, I’m so excited to finally have the world see what @DisneyAnimation has created to celebrate the incredible 100-year legacy of the studio,’ Gad shared on Instagram.
‘I nearly cried when I was told Olaf would appear alongside the Genie, utilising previously unheard audio from my idol #RobinWilliams.’
The actor and Broadway star posted a picture of a screen that revealed the Genie coming out of an artists’ sketchbook in an office and smiling down at Olaf, who stood waiting.
Williams in 2014 , a form of dementia.
‘I’m sorry — what?!?!?! We get more OG genie?! This is like a dream pairing,’ enthused one fan in the comments.
‘Two of the best animated comedic icons. If you see me crying when I watch this just leave me be.’
‘Omg this would be amazing. I am still devastated that Robin Williams is gone. You and Robin would have been such an amazing collaboration,’ commented another.
Annecy International Animation Film Festival takes place annually in the French city, with the special animation being shown there for the first time on Sunday night.
The Genie and Olaf feature alongside more than 400 other Disney characters in in nine-minute short Once Upon a Studio, a passion project from directors Dan Abraham and Trent Correy.
According to, the short shows the characters causing ‘gentle comic mayhem’ around the Roy E Disney animation building on the Disney studio lot in Burbank, California.
It also features , who died aged 87 in February, just shy of his 70th work anniversary with Disney.
He remains their longest-serving employee.
The team also brought back more than 40 original voice actors for the project, which features characters including Tiana, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, Merlin, Moana and Maui and – of course – Mickey and Minnie.
Once Upon a Studio will play ahead of upcoming Disney film Wish, due in UK cinemas on November 22.
