Disney is holding open casting calls for Aladdin; begins production in July

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

Are you capable of taking the wheel on a magic carpet ride? How about developing a bromance with a monkey in a small vest? How about going on an entire adventure in the Middle East…while being barefoot? Then the upcoming live-action ALADDIN movie, which just announced an open casting call, may be just the job for you!

Disney is holding open casting calls for their upcoming remake, which is being directed by Guy Ritchie. The call is casting for both the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine, asking for Middle Eastern actors between the ages of 18-25 who can sing and possibly dance, all while balancing on an unpredictable flying carpet. Here is the original Twitter post with the announcement, which THR was able to confirm is legit.

Alright kids, if you know someone who fits this, you better share this with them. Submit asap. Good luck my babies pic.twitter.com/PLP37ritcV

— Dani Fernandez (@msdanifernandez) March 9, 2017

You may have also noted that the shooting schedule for the movie begins in July of this year and will go all the way into January of next. That is an insane shooting schedule, even for this kind of blockbuster film. In addition, rehearsals are beginning next month, which means we will probably know who’s playing who in the next few weeks.

I wouldn’t hold my breath for Disney to cast a no-name actor in this role. But, still, I think Disney is making the right move by ensuring people they will indeed cast Middle Eastern actors in the role, so as to avoid any sort of whitewashing scandal that would certainly plague the movie. I think they will at least try and get a big name, young actor from the region for the role, but maybe some young hot shot can woo the big-wigs in Hollywood with a song about their aunt jumping into a river or something.