Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin reimagines a magical tale for the new generation

Starting this May 22, dreams and wishes are once again coming true as Disney brings the live-action adaptation of its iconic feature film Aladdin. With the animated classic endearing itself to kids and kids-at-heart back in 1992, the movie’s music and story now comes to life on the big screen for the new generation.

Almost two decades after its first theatrical release, the Disney classic gets a much-awaited reimagining with renowned film director and screenwriter Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, The Man from U.N.C.L.E) at the helm. He lends his flair for fast-paced and exciting action to tell the adventures of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in the port city of Agrabah.

Joining him in the production is Emmy Award®-winning set designer Gemma Jackson who took charge of bringing the Sultan’s kingdom to life. Inspired by the different elements and architectures of Middle East and South Asia, Jackson was able to portray the real-life Agrabah as a vibrant city of colors, cultures, and sounds.

Casting in Place for "Aladdin," the Live-Action Adaptation by Guy Ritchie

Casting for “Aladdin,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, is complete and production is currently underway at Longcross Studios outside London. 

The “Aladdin” cast includes: Two-time Oscar® nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses his magic lamp; Mena Massoud (Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”) as Aladdin, the hapless but lovable street rat who is smitten with the Sultan’s daughter; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Princess Jasmine, the Sultan’s beautiful daughter who wants to have a say in how she lives her life; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, an evil sorcerer who devises a nefarious plot to unseat the Sultan and rule Agrabah himself; Navid Negahban (“Homeland”) as the Sultan, the ruler of Agrabah who is eager to find a proper husband for his daughter, Jasmine; Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s hand maiden and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as Prince Anders, a suitor from Skanland and potential husband for Princess Jasmine; and Numan Acar (“Homeland”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and head of the palace guards.