Disney announced Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud as lead roles in its live-action version of Aladdin - see? No whitewashing required
At last, director Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin has its title character and its Princess Jasmine, and even the Genie.
British actress and Power Rangers star Naomi Scott (she played the Pink Ranger in this spring’s Power Rangers film) will play the coveted role of Princess Jasmine, Walt Disney Studios production president Sean Bailey announced at the D23 Expo, Disney's official fan club event.
Canadian actor Mena Massoud, who stars in Amazon’s Jack Ryan TV series, will step in as the film’s title character, Aladdin.
Bailey also confirmed that Will Smith will take on the role of Genie, made famous by Robin Williams in the 1992 animated classic.
“Aladdin” became a trending topic last week following reports of Disney’s difficulty in casting the lead roles.