Diversity and inclusion are plentiful in Disney’s new live-action classic adaptation of Aladdin. Though our two leads, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott are still a bit unknown to the masses, it’s better to have them cast authentically rather than to have them whitewashed much like Jake Gyllenhaal’s 2009 Prince of Persia video game adaptation.
Directed by Brit Guy Ritchie, a charming street rat named Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Ritchie brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
“Aladdin” flies into theaters nationwide May 24, 2019!
