Will Smith/ Instagram
Will Smith has Disney fans abuzz about the upcoming live-action version of Aladdin. The actor has shared the first poster for the movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters May 24, 2019.
Smith plays the Genie in the new film. He alluded to the makeover when he shared the poster on Instagram in early October. The caption reads, “LEMME OUT!! ? Can’t wait for y’all to see Me BLUE! :-) #aladdin”
We can show you the world… of Disney’s live-action #Aladdin! Get a shining, shimmering, splendid first look at the reimagined classic in our magical First Look issue: t.co/Kwkcdfen5v
The world finally got to see Will Smith’s costume on December 19, 2018. Entertainment Weekly shared a photo of Smith, Mena Massoud, and Naomi Grace Scott decked out in their “Aladdin” outfits.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Fans Were Especially Eager to See Will Smith’s Portrayal of Genie; Disney Let That Secret Out of the Lamp in December 2018
Robin Williams first brought the Genie to life in the 1992 animated version. When it was announced that Will Smith would portray the magical character in the live-action version, Smith said he would not try to imitate Williams’ timeless role. Variety has described Smith’s Genie as incorporating some “Fresh Prince” and “Hitch” personality into it.
An earlier teaser trailer for the movie did not include the Genie in it, further increasing fans’ curiosity about how Will Smith will look in blue makeup. Another trailer was released on October 11. It gave fans a glimpse of the Cave of Wonders but did not reveal Will Smith’s Genie. As referenced above, the world finally got a glimpse of Smith’s “Genie” costume on December 19, 2018.
2. Canadian Actor Mena Massoud Will Bring the Title Character to Life
GettyMena Massoud attends the premiere of “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” at the Battleship Iowa on August 31, 2018 in San Pedro, California.
27-year-old Mena Massoud landed the coveted role of “Aladdin.” Massoud was born in Egypt but was raised in Ontario, Canada, according to his page on IMDB. His bio states that when he’s not acting, he enjoys playing basketball and horseback riding.
Most recently, Massoud appeared in “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.” He plays CIA analyst Tarek Kassar. Massoud described his character on Twitter as “best dressed at the office” and that Jack Ryan depends on Kassar to help him identify the criminals that he needs to fight.
Massoud got his start in Hollywood with a guest role on an episode of the CW series “Nikita.” His role was that of a terrorist that the title character has to stop. His other credits include roles on “Open Heart” on Teen Nick and the Canadian series “Saving Hope.”
“Aladdin” will be his biggest role to date. Disney first announced their decision to cast Massoud in 2017. He expressed his appreciation for the role on Twitter, writing, “So honored & grateful for the opportunity to help bring this magical story to life once again. Let’s get to work!”
3. British Actress Naomi Grace Scott Will Play Jasmine
The role of Jasmine is being played by none other than the Pink Ranger! Naomi Grace Scott played Kimberly Hart in the 2017 “Power Rangers” film. But Scott will soon be known for much more than that.
In addition to being cast as Jasmine, movie fans will soon see Scott in the “Charlie’s Angels” remake alongside Kristen Stewart, Ella Balinska and Elizabeth Banks. The film is scheduled to be released in 2019 as well, so it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for Scott.
“Aladdin” will be Scott’s second role within the Disney family. In 2009, she played “Megan” in the Disney Channel UK series “Life Bites.”
Naomi Scott is 25 years old and was raised in Hounslow, a suburb of London, England. According to her IMDB profile, she is of English and Indian heritage. Her mother is Gujarati Indian from Uganda.
4. Marwan Kenzari Will Portray Villain Jafar
GettyActor Marwan Kenzari attends the Screening Of Netflix’s “The Angel” at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on September 13, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
Marwan Kenzari is the film’s villain, Jafar. He is a 35-year-old actor from the Netherlands.
He attracted acclaim in 2014 after appearing in the crime drama “Wolf.” Kenzari played the character “Majid,” a man who tries to make a name for himself as a professional fighter after spending time in prison.
At the same time that he’s trying to to stay away from his old criminal life, the character also deals with trying to help two brothers: an older one dying of an illness, and a younger brother who Majid is trying to lead down a better path. In an interview, Kenzari described the complex character as being “like an animal trying to deal with his instincts. He has to work with what he’s got. He’s stuck in between these two worlds; wolves make a hierarchy and this guy was in prison so he knows that life. There are many cultural elements in this film.”
Kenzari’s other film credits include 2017’s “The Mummy” alongside Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe. He also was cast as the title character in Netflix’s “The Angel,” based on a true story. He played Ashraf Marwan, the son-in-law of Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser. Marwan spied for Israel during the Yom Kippur War in the 1970s.
5. Navid Negahban Plays Jasmine’s Lovable Father, the Sultan
GettyNavid Negahban attends the premiere of FXX’s “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” Season 13 at Regency Bruin Theatre on September 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Fans of “Homeland” will do a double-take when they see the Sultan appear onscreen– it’s none other than Navid Negahban. The Iranian-born actor starred as Abu Nazir of al-Qaeda in the hit Showtime series.
Negahban was praised for his role in the 2014 blockbuster “American Sniper.” He played an Iraqi citizen who helped the snipers find their targets. His lengthy list of acting credits includes “American Assassin,” “Sand Castle,” and the TV series “Mistresses,” and “Legion.”
Negahban spoke with Kayhan Life, a digital magazine focused on Iran and Iranian citizens, about his upcoming role as the Sultan. He praised the film’s director. “This is going to be such an exciting and fun film. The cast and crew are wonderful people. I very much enjoyed working with Guy Ritchie. He created an environment free of ego on the set, where the actors felt safe and open. Then he challenged you to take your character a step further. He allowed you to explore and move beyond the page and bring your own essence to the performance.”
To see the full cast of Aladdin, click here.
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