Egyptian actor cast as Aladdin in Disney's new live action flick

None of the actors were from Agrabah.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

JULY 16, 2017 12:32

Aladdin is trapped by the sorcerer in the magic cave. (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons) — Aladdin is trapped by the sorcerer in the magic cave.

(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Everyone's favorite street rat-turned-prince will be played by Egyptian actor Mena Massoud in Disney's upcoming live action version of Aladdin.

The new casting choices were announced at the D23 Expo on Saturday, Variety reported. Naomi Scott (British, of Gujarti Indian descent) will play Princess Jasmine, and Will Smith has been cast as Genie.

Meet your newly announced live-action Aladdin and Jasmine, played by Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott. https://t.co/0Tfs9quhhf pic.twitter.com/JJV5XZoqxE
— Julia Reinstein (@juliareinstein) July 15, 2017

It would be impossible to cast any actors from Agrabah, the fictional country where Disney sets its story. Although no Arabic source has been located of the original tale, it appears as if its earliest written form was a french translation from a Syrian story-teller.