One of the most anticipated films is the live-action adaption of Aladdin, a remake of the Disney classic many of us grew up with. One of the great things about the film is how it is championing diversity by casting non-white actors for the leading roles. Let’s meet the amazing cast of this much-awaited movie!
Aladdin
The role of Aladdin will be portrayed by Mena Massoud, an Egyptian-born actor who was raised in Canada. Aladdin is Massoud’s first big role. Prior to casting, he had a recurring role on the American-Canadian drama show Open Heart, as well as appearances in other series.
Jasmine
Jasmine will be portrayed by Naomi Scott, an English actress and singer with Indian and Ugandan roots. She also played Kimberly Hart in the Power Rangers reboot this year. She has appeared on TV with prominent roles in the science fiction show Terra Nova and the comedy show Life Bites, and in the Disney Channel Original Movie Lemonade Mouth.
Genie
Will Smith will be taking on the iconic role of the Genie. Smith needs no introduction but for the sake of formality, he has starred in blockbuster films like the Men in Black trilogy, I Am Legend, Suicide Squad, and many more.
Jafar
Taking on the role of Jafar will be Marwan Kenzari, a Tunisian-Dutch actor who has starred in many Dutch films. He got his Hollywood break in 2016 when he co-starred with Anthony Hopkins, Ben Kingsley, and Nicholas Hoult in Collide. He has also starred in Ben-Hur, The Promise, The Mummy, and the upcoming Murder on the Orient Express.
Hakim
Hakim appeared in Return of Jafar and is supposedly Jafar’s right-hand man. The role was assigned to Numan Acar, a Turkish-born German actor and producer. He has starred in an impressive lineup of German films, and some of his more well-known appearances are in Homeland, The Promise, The Great Wall, and Prison Break.
The Sultan
The jolly role of the Sultan will be essayed by Navid Negahban, an Iranian-American actor who has appeared on 24, Homeland, Mistresses, and American Sniper.
Dalia
The new role of Dalia, or Jasmine’s loyal handmaiden, will be portrayed by Nasim Pedrad, an Iranian-American comedian and actress who was in five seasons of Saturday Night Live. She has also appeared in Scream Queens and New Girl.
Prince Anders
The controversial role of Prince Anders will be essayed by Billy Magnussen, an American who appeared in Into the Woods, Bridge of Spies, The Big Short, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The role has become controversial because it was mysteriously added to the film as a competitor of Aladdin for Jasmine’s heart. Magnussen is the only white actor in the cast.
There is no release date yet for the remake.
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