As filming continues on Disney’s Aladdin, the Guy Ritchie-directed live-action adaptation has now come under fire due to reports that the production has been “browning up” extras.
According to the Sunday Times (via Deadline), the film has around 500 extras on set, with 400 of the background performers from Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Medierranean or Asian descent. However, around 100 white actors have been brought in, with reports that these performers have been seen standing in line outside make-up tents “waiting to have their skin darkened”.
In response to the story, Disney released a statement which seems to acknowledge the report: “Great care was taken to put together one of the largest most diverse casts ever seen on screen. Diversity of our cast and background performers was a requirement and only in a handful of instances when it was a matter of specialty skills, safety and control (special effects rigs, stunt performers and handling of animals) were crew made up to blend in.”
Kaushal Odedra, an extra on the film, is quoted as stating that: “Disney are sending out a message that your skin colour, your identity, your life experiences amount to nothing that can be powered on and washed off.”
Aladdin is set for release on May 24th 2019 and features a cast that includes Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine), Will Smith (Genie), Marwan Kenzari (Jafar), Navid Negahban (The Sultan), Nasim Pedrad (Dalia); Billy Magnussen (Prince Anders) and Numan Acar (Hakim).
Originally published January 14, 2018. Updated April 16, 2018.
