Disney has found its Aladdin.

Disney’s president of production Sean Bailey announced Saturday to a crowd at the D23 Expo that Mena Massoud would play the scrappy Aladdin.

Massoud has several credits to his name, including “Open Heart” and “Jack Ryan,” both TV series. The actor will be joined by Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Jasmine and Will Smith as Genie.

The news comes amid reports that Disney was struggling to find actors to fill roles in the movie. A worldwide search was launched, with casting directors looking for Middle Eastern or Indian actors who could also sing. Criticism roiled social media users who asked how it could be hard to cast ethnically-appropriate actors, prompting more questions of possible "whitewashing."

Guy Ritchie will direct the movie, which will pull inspiration from the 1992 animated classic.


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