Disney Have Found Their Cast For The Live Action Aladdin

IMAGE VIA DISNEY

Disney has found their Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie for the Guy Richie directed live-action adaptation of the beloved animation classic.

During their Live Action Films panel on Saturday at D23, a convention celebrating all things Disney, it was officially revealed newcomer Mena Massoud will be playing the title character, Power Rangers star Naomi Scott will be catching a ride on the magic carpet as Jasmine. Meanwhile, Big Willy Will Smith is playing the Genie.

IMAGE VIA JAMES GOURLEY/JIM SMEAL/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK/FACEBOOK

This casting news comes after a report from The Hollywood Reporter highlighted issues Disney and director Ritchie were having with finding their perfect Aladdin for the live-action adaptation. This included testing over 2,000 actors for the role with Disney looking at names like Dev Patel and Riz Ahmed, but ultimately they went for an unknown to play Prince Ali.

THR also stated the Mouse House were looking for a name actor to play Jafar and other roles needed to be filled include the Sultan and Jafar’s sidekick, Iago.

I like the casting of Massoud as Aladdin because you can see why they cast him, he’d an Egyptian Canadian and he’s got the look and once he grows his hair, I think fans will love him even more.  The most important things now are can he act, we’ll find that out in Amazon’s Jack Ryan series, and can he sing and dance.

So honored & grateful for the opportunity to help bring this magical story to life once again. Let's get to work! #Aladdin #Disney https://t.co/itxmiDHtLL

— Mena Massoud (@MenaMassoud) 15 July 2017

Elsewhere, I'm actually surprised by some of the negativity towards Scott’s casting because when I heard the news I thought she was perfect. She’s about to be one of Hollywood’s next big things, she was one of the better things about Power Rangers and she can sing and dance. So I honestly don’t get the issue because she’s going to do great.

So excited to be a part of this adventure! This is gonna be fun :) https://t.co/fFpkkEg2kR

— Naomi Scott (@NaomiScott) 15 July 2017

Meanwhile, no one was ever going to match the superb classic force that was Robin Williams as the Genie in the animated film, nor should Disney be aiming to do so. I understand why they cast Smith because he can improvise, sing/rap and has comic timing. The one big worry I have is this could be just another Will Smith playing Will Smith.

Maybe getting someone like James Monroe Iglehart, who won a Tony for his role as the Genie in the Broadway version of Aladdin. So obviously he can sing and actor, but if most likely this role would have to have gone to a name actor and Smith is a decent choice, but the one I keep going to is Kevin Hart and he too has his minuses.

Furthermore, I still have my doubts about Ritchie as directing this film because even though I’m one of the few people who liked his King Arthur, I never really saw how this was a fit.

Either way, I’m interested and excited to what Disney and co will bring with this live-action adaptation because there are a lot of people (including myself) who love the animated film and hold it close to their hearts.

Aladdin is set to start shooting in London in August.