The vast majority of the time, “fan theories” are nothing more than crazy delusions without merit. If you watch something enough times, you can start to feel like a lost traveler that’s been staring at the desert sands for so long that the oasis of an idea forms from nothing. These theories can be fun, but most often they are without basis in reality.

However, every once in awhile they turn out to be quite real, and it adds a new layer to something we already love.

As it turns out, a long held fan theory about Disney’s Aladdin has been right all along. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the film’s directors, John Musker and Ron Clements, discussed some (mostly insane) fan theories about some of their films, but admitted one got it exactly right.

Clements said, “I saw something that speculates that the peddler at the beginning of Aladdin is the Genie. That’s true! That was the whole intention, originally. We even had that at the end of the movie, where he would reveal himself to be the Genie, and of course Robin did the voice of the peddler. Just through story changes and some editing, we lost the reveal at the end. So, that’s an urban legend that actually is true.”

If you don’t remember the scene, you can watch it here. Notice the peddler only has four fingers, just like the Genie.

Well chock one up to obsessed fans everywhere.

Make sure you head over to hear them discuss theories on Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Hercules, and don’t forget to read our Kyle Anderson’s review of the new Blu-ray of the film.

So what is your favorite movie fan theory? Tell us in the comments below.

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HT: EW
Image: Disney