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As many people will know by now, “a whole new world” of live-action Disney remakes are on the horizon.
With the likes of Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast getting remade through CGI, another Disney classic is finally moving ahead with its animation-to- live-action adaptation in the form of the 1992 hit Aladdin.
At the D23 Expo yesterday, it was revealed that Hollywood superstar Will Smith would be playing the role of the wacky Genie in the upcoming project.
The iconic character was previously portrayed in the 1992 animation by the late Robin Williams and featured the memorable song “Friend Like Me”
Additionally, the new version has also cast two starlets to play the parts of the heroic Aladdin and his love interest Princess Jasmine.
Egyptian-Canadian actor Mena Massoud (The 99, Open Heart) will be playing Aladdin with British actress Naomi Scott (Terra Nova, Power Rangers) taking on the role of Jasmine.
On his casting in the new film, Massoud took to Twitter.
So honored & grateful for the opportunity to help bring this magical story to life once again. Let's get to work! #Aladdin #Disney https://t.co/itxmiDHtLL
— Mena Massoud (@MenaMassoud) July 15, 2017
Set in the Arabian city of Agrabah, the story focuses on a street boy who manages to free a genie from a lamp and is granted three wishes. But after passing himself off as a prince, he attempts to woo a princess only to be confronted by a sinister advisor who has plans for the princess and the lamp.
British director Guy Ritchie will be helming the film though a release date is not yet known.