Disney seems to (thankfully) be making sure whitewashing won’t be an issue for its upcoming live-action adaptation of “Aladdin”.
If the casting call’s header, which simply states, “These characters are Middle Eastern,” is any indication, it appears the production is making an effort in driving the movie in the right direction — much like how the live-action version of “Mulan” is being handled.
Imagine how refreshing it would be to have Middle Eastern actors play the iconic characters of leads Aladdin and Jasmine. The film won’t just be staying true to the story, but it will also be finally providing a positive representation for people from the Middle East.
Granted that the poster did not exactly say they are looking for “Middle Eastern actors”, it seems to indicate the production’s preference to casting the movie appropriately.
Disney is seeking for actors who are 18 to 25 years old and can both sing and dance. According to the poster, interested applicants may send in a photo and video of themselves singing via email.
The story of Disney’s Alladin is based on the Arab-style folktale Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from One Thousand and One Nights.
The new film, which will be partly musical like the 1992 animated classic, will be directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Dan Lin based on the script written by John August.
