Live-action ‘Aladdin’ puts out open casting call for lead roles

In case you didn’t know, Disney is creating a live-action remake of 1992’s “Aladdin.” Now, the studio is officially looking for an actors to play the leading roles of Aladdin and Jasmine. 

The casting call hopes to attract actors between 18 and 25 years old and it emphasizes that Aladdin and Jasmine are from the Middle East. As “Aladdin” will be part musical like the upcoming “Beauty and the Beast,” the actors must also have singing skills.

According to the casting call, shooting will start on July 2017, and end on January 2018.

Disney’s original “Aladdin” tells the story of a young, good-hearted thief who chances upon a magical lamp housing a powerful genie who grants him three wishes. In the course of his adventure, Aladdin uses the genie’s magic to impress Princess Jasmine, and thwart the plans of the megalomaniacal Grand Vizier Jafar.

In the animated feature, Aladdin was voiced by Scott Weinger. Linda Larkin provided Princess Jasmine’s speaking voice, while our very own Lea Salonga was behind her singing voice. The Genie was voiced by the legendary Robin Williams.

“Aladdin” garnered several awards, and is considered by many to be one of Disney’s best animated movies. It went on to spawn two direct-to-video sequels, a TV series, video games, toys, and various other merchandise.

The “Aladdin” remake will be directed by Guy Ritchie, who helmed movies such as 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes, 2015’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” and the upcoming fantasy adventure “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.”

“Big Fish” screenwriter John August penned the “Aladdin” remake script. Dan Lin will produce the film through his banner, Lin Pictures, while Jonathan Eirich will serve as executive producer.

Disney seems to be on course to create live-action remakes of their most beloved animated classics. We already have “Cinderella” and “Jungle Book,” with “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mulan,” “The Lion King,” “Dumbo,” and more on the way. — AT, GMA News