Will "Rogue One" star Riz Ahmed be the perfect lead for the "Aladdin" live-action at Disney? The adaptation of the 1992 animation has been in development for years and the studio has finally started taking steps with production by hiring the director.
In October, it was revealed that Disney has been talking to director Guy Ritchie for the task of helming the "Aladdin" live-action film, according to Deadline. Ritchie is best known for his work on "Snatch," "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and the two "Sherlock Holmes" films with Robert Downey, Jr.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the producers want a "non-traditional" and "nonlinear" take on the "Aladdin" live-action. Apparently, Guy Ritchie's stylistic process would fit these requirements well.
Disney's Live-Action 'Aladdin' Enlists Guy Ritchie to Direct - Hollywood Reporter https://t.co/XndYeVsyf6
— NYT Magazine (@nytrbmag) October 10, 2016
With the hiring of the director, casting announcements for "Aladdin" would be expected next. Among the top names to crop up include Riz Ahmed, who starred in HBO's "The Night Of" and will soon be seen in "Rogue One," the latest "Star Wars" film.
According to Interview Magazine, Riz Ahmed is an "excellent" pick for the lead role. The actor also has music chops and has been rapping before he worked on a TV or movie set. If the "Aladdin" live-action is going to be a musical just like the animated version, Riz Ahmed could add a twist of hip-hop to the production.
Meanwhile, Disney's live-action "Aladdin" has also received its share of controversy similar to the studio's plan for its "Mulan" live-action. According to Playbill, a petition has been lodged to ensure that there will be no whitewashing in the casting process. Fans want the "Aladdin" live-action to feature Middle Eastern actors, or at least those of Middle Eastern descent.
Disney's "Aladdin" won the Oscars for Best Song and Best Score in the '90s and topped the box office in 1992. The success of the movie led to the opening of a Broadway musical in 2014. The studio has not yet announced the live-action movie's release date. Stay tuned for more updates!
