With all of the controversy surrounding Ghost in the Shell and an early draft of Mulan, a casting call put out by Disney reveals that their live-action adaptation of Aladdin will feature no “white-washing” of the lead roles.
The call asks for “Middle Eastern” actors between 18-25 who can sing and dance. The call also reveals the film begins production in July 2017, and will last until January 2018.
Check out the call below:
Alright kids, if you know someone who fits this, you better share this with them. Submit asap. Good luck my babies pic.twitter.com/PLP37ritcV
— Dani Fernandez (@msdanifernandez) March 9, 2017
SEE ALSO: Guy Ritchie to direct live-action Aladdin for Disney
The remake of the 1992 classic “will keep many of the musical elements of the original” and is described as “an ambitious and non-traditional take” on the material, which will incorporate director Guy Ritchie’s signature non-linear style. The approach to the Genie – portrayed by the late Robin Williams in the animated movie – is still to be determined.
SEE ALSO: A rundown of all of Disney’s live-action remakes in development
This is the second live-action related Aladdin project in the works at Disney, with the studio also developing the prequel Genies; based upon a script by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (Freddy vs. Jason, Friday the 13th) Genies will “focus on the realm of the Genies and reveal how Aladdin’s Genie ended up enslaved in the lamp.”
Aladdin will be directed by Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels).
Originally published March 9, 2017. Updated April 13, 2018.
