Dear Disney, Here Are 10 Talented Actors Who Can Play Aladdin, You’re Welcome
By Khier Casino
Director Guy Ritchie is reportedly hitting a bit of a bump in casting a lead for Disney’s live-action version of “Aladdin”.
In March, the studio and Ritchie scoured the globe, from London to India, in search of actors to star in the musical based on the 1992 animated classic.
Around 2,000 actors and actresses turned up to audition for the coveted role of Princess Jasmine and Aladdin.
But finding a male lead in his 20s, who is of Middle-Eastern or Indian descent, and can both act and sing was harder than Disney had anticipated.
Dev Patel, 27, and Riz Ahmed, 34, were among the frontrunners, but the studio opted to go with a newcomer, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
They’ve also reportedly tested Dutch actor Achraf Koutet, Mena Massoud from Canada and American George Kosturos.
But fans on Twitter were not having any of it and wanted to give Disney a piece of their mind:
Even “Silicon Valley” and “The Big Sick” star Kumail Najiani threw his name into the ring:
Here are 10 other actors that would be perfect to play Aladdin:
Avan Jogia
The 25-year-old “Twisted” and “Victorious” star is a clear fan favorite, with people tweeting about him being the IRL version of Aladdin. Don’t you just want to run your fingers through those dark locks?
Zayn Malik
While the 24-year-old, whose father is of British Pakistani descent, only has “Sesame Street” and “iCarly” under his acting credits, the former One Direction band member can sure belt it out.
Ritesh Rajan
This American actor of Indian descent is no stranger to playing a Disney character, appearing in 2016’s “The Jungle Book” as Mowgli’s father. He currently stars in Freeform’s “Stitchers” as the adorable Linus Ahluwalia.
Deniz Akdeniz
Who better to play Aladdin than Aladdin himself from “Once Upon a Time”?
The Australian-born actor of Turkish origin had a recurring role as the Disney hero in ABC’s hit series for nine episodes.
Jesse Rath
This Canadian actor is part Goan Indian, British and Austrian, and according to his Twitter bio believes in “#aliens, #timetravel, #ghosts and #magic.” The 28-year-old remains silent on the Disney role, but he did express interest in playing Judas in a live Jesus Christ Superstar musical.
Ahmed Hatem
Identity Mag described Ahmed as “incredibly humble, funny, and charming in person”, which is what Aladdin is really all about. The 29-year-old Egyptian actor first got his starring role in the the film “Awqat Faragh” (Free Time) in 2006 after taking an acting workshop during his first year of college.
The next group of actors are over 30, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear us out!
Sidharth Malhotra
At age 32, the Indian actor and former model has already received several accolades. He made his acting debut in “Student of the Year” for which he received a Stardust Award and SAIFTA Award for Best Male Debut.
Rahul Kohli
Fans on Twitter have suggested numerous roles for this English actor of Indian origin, including Doctor Who and even James Bond (watch out Daniel Craig!).
The “iZombie” star was also asked in 2015 what his favorite Disney movie is, to which he replied “Aladdin.”
Manish Dayal
The 34-year-old actor, who was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was dubbed by BuzzFeed as “More like, ‘Manish DAYUMMMMM.’” And we couldn’t agree more. Look at him!
“The Hundred-Foot Journey” star will be leading the cast of Fox’s upcoming medical drama, “The Resident”.
Rami Malek
We’re featuring this Egyptian-American actor and “Mr. Robot” star in every list from now on. Those eyes, that jaw.
That is all.
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