One of the films we’re looking forward to seeing is the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin. It is one of the studio’s most popular animated features, because of its story of love beyond class, unforgettable songs (“A Whole New World,” anyone?), and its creepy yet sassy villain Jafar. We’re honestly curious who’s going to play this iconic villain, and if rumors are to be believed, it’s going to be Tom Hardy.
The rumors started when The Sun reported that Guy Ritchie, the film’s director, is interested in getting Hardy to play the role. While the British actor has not accepted, the publication adds that he is one of the director’s “favored choices” and that there are conversations.
Many online haven’t taken the news well, accusing the film of whitewashing a role filled with Arab characters. The internet cited cases of whitewashing in Hollywood, like casting Scarlett Johansson to play the Japanese role of Major in Ghost in the Shell.
It’s interesting to note that Aladdin producer Dan Lin once told Collider that he wants to make the film “diverse” and something that’s “authentic to that world.” A few months ago, reports also said that the studio released an open call, where it firmly stated that the characters of Aladdin and Jasmine are Middle Eastern. However, it doesn’t say that the actors should also be Middle Eastern.
It turns out, the rumors about Hardy playing Jafar aren’t true. Metro contacted the actor’s reps, who said that there’s no truth to the stories.
Another actor being linked to the film is Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall, who is rumored to play Jasmine. She has Yemeni and Egyptian blood.
Who do you think should play Jafar? Share your thoughts below!
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