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Dev Patel, Riz Ahmed considered for main role in Guy Ritchie's 'Aladdin'
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Dev Patel as Saroo Brierley in 'Lion'. (The Weinstein Company/File)
D
isney and Guy Ritchie, the director of the Aladdin live action remake, are said to be having trouble finding the actor who will portray the lead character Aladdin, despite the fact that they have been searching since March.
Lion actor Dev Patel and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story cast member Rizwan “Riz” Ahmed are reportedly among those considered for the role of the poor man who falls in love with Princess Jasmine and befriends the genie.
However, Hollywood Reporter suggests that opportunities are still open for newcomers to play Aladdin. The actor, whoever it is, will be required to sing and dance.
As the story takes place in the city of Agrabah, the producers are said to be interested in finding someone of Middle-Eastern or Indian descent.
Read also: Report: Will Smith in talks to play genie in ‘Aladdin’ remake
Meanwhile, netizens are already busy among themselves voting for the actors they would like to see cast as the next Aladdin or Princess Jasmine.
Using #Aladdin and #AladdinCasting hashtags, some of names included in the poll include Victorious actor Avan Jogia, vocal group Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and singer-songwriter Luciana Zogbi.
Excuse me but HOW is @Disney struggling to find an #Aladdin when @AvanJogia exists?! pic.twitter.com/QDTD4DHb8u
— Ariana Garcia 🇵🇷 (@Ariana_noGrande) July 11, 2017
Disney cant find a person suitable enough to play #Aladdin. An actor who can sing and dance...
Meanwhile in Bollywood 👇 pic.twitter.com/uJHvkIZH0t
— Manjot Sumal (@Mani2thaJ) July 11, 2017
Well, excuse me? You're telling me there's struggle on finding Aladdin and Jasmine? May I introduce you Avan and Jade. #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/LJREBpd0AM
— Ana (@perfectforfries) July 11, 2017
Luciana Zogbi would be a perfect fit for Jasmine and plus she's Lebanese Arab and can sing #Aladdin pic.twitter.com/E1JiOiL2IB
— Jinan جنان (@junglebanana7) July 11, 2017
Honestly I think @iHrithik and #KatrinaKaif would be the best fit #Aladdin
— Anmol Samra (@AnmollSamraa) July 12, 2017
Amid all the confusion and excitement, at least it's clear that Will Smith will be portraying the genie. (kes)
