Although Will Smith is on board to portray the Genie, it seems that Disney is struggling to find its leads for director Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin remake, with THR reporting that the studio has pushed back its original July production start date a month in order to extend its search.
According to the site, over 2000 actors and actresses have read for the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine, although Disney is reportedly struggling to find a male lead in particular, given that it is specifically looking for someone of Middle-Eastern or Indian descent who can act and sing.
Apparently, both Dev Patel and Riz Ahmed have interested the studio for the role of Aladdin, although an unknown actor would be preferred, with Achraf Koutet, Mena Massoud and George Kosturos said to remain in the running. Meanwhile, Indian actress Tara Sutaria and Power Rangers star Naomi Scott are up for Jasmine, but Disney doesn’t want to make a deal until Aladdin has been decided upon, given the need for chemistry between the two characters.
Disney is holding a live-action presentation at D23 this Saturday, so perhaps we’ll hear some news this weekend as to who might be taking on the roles, as well as that of the villainous Jafar.
Originally published July 15, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
