The Return of Jafar

Even though The Rescuers Down Under failed at the box office, it found moderate success on home video. The Disney Company, never failing to find a market for something, realized direct to video sequels would most likely fare better than sequels released in theaters. And so, two years after Aladdin became a hit with audiences, The Return of Jafar was unleashed in May of 1994. While most of the original cast came back, contract disputes with Robin Williams resulted in Dan Castellaneta replacing him, plus a new voice is provided by Jason Alexander, of Seinfeld fame.

Some time after Aladdin defeated Jafar, he lives with Jasmine in the Sultan’s palace. As he adjusts to his new life, Genie (Castellaneta) returns to stay for good. However, in the desert, Jafar, who is now a Genie, and Iago dig them themselves out of the sands where Genie buried them in the first film. Iago abandons Jafar to start over and finds himself in Agrabah. Aladdin takes him in after he saves them from some thieves. But Jafar is freed from the lamp by Abis Mal (Alexander), the leader of the thieves with a grudge against Aladdin. Jafar soon unfolds a plan to destroy his old enemy.

While it doesn’t have the production value, nor the same quality of animation Aladdin had, The Return of Jafar is still a decent film.

Most characterization from the previous film is still there, but it seems that Aladdin can’t shake old habits. When Iago shows up and asks to be given a second chance, Aladdin hides him from Jasmine and the Sultan. However, it’s only until he can find the opportune moment to tell them. So, he actually has learned, as he will tell them, rather than continually keep him covered up. It would have actually gone off without a hitch had Rajah not gotten involved.

I said most characterization is there. That’s because Iago, of all characters, actually goes through development here. He starts out the same as the previous film, trying to ally himself with those in power. And it seems he’s consistent, shifting again when Jafar shows back up. However, he does so with hesitancy. After being forgiven by the Sultan and Jasmine because Aladdin vouched for him, he really does show guilt and regret from going back to Jafar. His regret gets the best of him and he foils Jafar’s plan. He goes from mooch to doing the right thing and with an hour to do it, the film makes it pretty believable.

As a genie, Jafar cannot kill. But that doesn’t stop him from planning revenge. Despite his limitations, he’s still the same cunning and crafty villain he was from the first film. He throws away Abis Mal’s first two wishes just so he can manipulate him into working with him. And because he can’t kill, his plan involves third parties doing the dirty work. It’s interesting to note that the only thing that got in his way was Iago’s character development.

As for Abis Mal, he’s your standard greedy thief and most of his character would continue to get fleshed out in the series. Though, I’m not sure Jason Alexander was a good fit for the character.

It’s a shame Disney and Robin Williams had contract disputes. While Castellaneta does his best to emulate Williams’ characteristics, it’s just not the same. At least he got out of the way of some of the heavier moments. And while the songs aren’t as great as they were in the first film, they’re still good songs.  

Like I said, Return of Jafar is a decent film that paved the way for the television series. But that’s kind of what it felt like: a pilot episode. And it was reused for just that thing. Before the series debuted, Disney showed the film. Good use of resources.

#23.