Disney’s 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin has become hugely successful grossing over $1.5B worldwide. The live-action remake of the original Disney film has star power, new and familiar songs, and the same successful plot as its animated predecessor. Add in some more comedy (Will Smith) and colorful wardrobes, and this movie passes with high ratings. Recently getting the greenlight to make a sequel for release in 2025, Aladdin 2 will probably be just as successful as the first. And better yet, the original cast of Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine), and Will Smith (Genie) are all set to return.
As much as we look forward to Aladdin 2, there is still something that needs to be discussed in Aladdin (2019). That is, the effect of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) on the main character of the film, Aladdin. Before we get into what scenes would actually trigger social anxiety in Aladdin, it’s important to know what SAD is. So unless you want to stay living inside a magic lamp all day, you should click here to learn a thing or two about Social Anxiety Disorder.
Aladdin’s Social Anxiety Trigger 1: Anticipation
Aladdin, 2019
While at the party, Genie was trying to tell Aladdin to go talk to Jasmine. Aladdin kept stalling and said that he is “waiting for the right time.” This is a classic deflection for someone who is about to do something so nerve racking, but doesn’t want to it. Aladdin was stalling because this would be a high-anxiety provoking situation for him. The anticipation of doing something that is going to cause major social anxiety, like talking to the girl you like, is a powerful force. In fact, anticipation by itself can actually lead to social anxiety symptoms, including the awful Red Face. In other words, if Aladdin had SAD, his face could turn bright red and sweaty without ever speaking to Jasmine. The thoughts of all the things that can go wrong when speaking to her is enough to make him feel so embarrassed that he would actually blush and sweat. This is how dominant a force anticipation can be.
{We’ve seen Thor go through a similar anticipation force in Thor: Love and Thunder. Click here to check it out.}
Aladdin’s Social Anxiety Trigger 2: Talking to Jasmine
Aladdin, 2019
After Genie heard enough of Aladdin’s excuses, he used magic to move Aladdin next to Jasmine and Dalia (Jasmine’s hand maiden). This forced Aladdin to start a dialogue with with the princess. Now any man can tell you how difficult it is to speak to your crush, but the difficulty is significantly amplified in the presence of SAD. Aladdin’s nervousness became obvious immediately as he kept stumbling over his words and apologizing. This uneasy and chaotic mixing of words in front of Jasmine would easily amplify his nervousness, and more so, his social anxiety. And to make matters worse, he would be judged from top to bottom by Dalia as she observes his every move.
If Aladdin had SAD, he would start feeling the rush of heat to his face from all the blood travelling there. Then his body’s cooling mechanism would go to work causing him to sweat profusely. Jasmine would surely notice the bright red, moisture filled face in front of her, and may call attention to it. This would make Aladdin sweat and blush even more. Not to mention, his hands would tremble, his muscles would stiffen, and his heart would be pounding out of his chest. At this point, Red Face and SAD symptoms would be out of control.
Aladdin’s Social Anxiety Trigger 3: All eyes on Aladdin
Aladdin, 2019
Being at a party does not mix well with have Social Anxiety Disorder. It just doesn’t. All those people, the pressure of comingling, and the thoughts of “don’t embarrass yourself” continues to repeat in your head. Party’s are a huge anxiety-provoking situation for SAD sufferers. Particularly in Aladdin’s case.
Surprised by Jasmine’s offer to dance, Aladdin was clueless about what was about to happen. He didn’t know how to dance as a duet with Jasmine, so he was fully reliant on Genie to magically move him into a dance routine. And since he was dancing with the princess, all eyes at the party were on him. Everyone watched as he figured out the dance and actually performed well (thanks to Genie). He even performed a solo act, including a standing backflip.
Aladdin, 2019
As cool as all that might sound, it could never happen if Aladdin had SAD. He just wouldn’t be able to pull that dance off knowing that all those judging eyes were watching and observing. Continuous thoughts of “don’t embarrass yourself” would be all over his mind. Then once he realizes how many people are watching him, including the girl her likes (Jasmine), he would instantly turn bright red, sweat everywhere, have trembling hands, stiff muscles, and may even feel nauseous. He could not pull all that off. Social Anxiety symptoms just wouldn’t allow him to focus on the dance. He would be too busy focusing on ways to hide his humiliation.