Disney Has Announced The Cast For Aladdin But Seriously Overlooked This Contender For Jasmine
The cast of Disney’s live action version of Aladdin has been announced, with Egyptian national, Mena Massoud playing Aladdin and Jasmine played by Naomi Scott, who is of British-Indian heritage.
Much deliberation went into the casting of Aladdin, with Disney looking for Arab actors to play the roles, though the company said they had some trouble casting the film.
When the roles were announced, many took to Twitter to voice their frustration at the casting of Jasmine with a British-Indian as the movie is widely believed to be set in the Middle East.
I loved #PrincessJasmine growing up because she was me, Muslim, She had brown skin and black hair.Thanks #Disney for ruining my childhood!
— Queen Of Hearts (@WanabeeOutsider) July 16, 2017
The cast a half Indian half British chick to play #Jasmine? This is worse than the Priyanka fancasting. pic.twitter.com/7wFusUjRUs
— Luulaay ???????? (@LuluLemonLime83) July 15, 2017
Hollywood once again can’t get casting right, this time with a non-Arab #Jasmine. Won’t be surprised when Mulan is played by Matt Damon
— CM (@Colinsayshey) July 15, 2017
The studio cited struggles to find suitable Arab actors…
However, many Tweeps have heralded an Emirati woman as the correct choice.
Internet: You said you’d cast an Arab?
Disney: We couldn’t find one lol!
Dubai: I got you fam pic.twitter.com/fCqo7jWuJA— William Mullally (@whmullally) July 16, 2017
Meera Al Midfa is a 27-year-old Emirati woman who applied for the role of Jasmine
And Twitter responded with gusto
She’s perfect ???? https://t.co/26aknb2WLu
— farah altaweel ???? (@altaweelfs) July 16, 2017
Her voice is beautiful. She’s beautiful. Wow. https://t.co/tkIlO5ze32
— cakes (@clickbaet) July 16, 2017
You can follow Meera on Twitter here.
