Hold on to your magic carpet folks, because things are heating up in the live-action 'Aladdin'. On Wednesday, 'The Hollywood Reporter' announced that Disney was adding a character to the production... some dude called "Prince Anders".
While many speculated that Anders was joining the fray as some kind of competition for Aladdin's alter-ego Prince Ali, but many were miffed that the actor set to play this character that didn't feature in the 1992 animated version would be played by actor Billy Magnussen.
The issue being Magnussen is... well... a white guy. 'Aladdin' takes place in the fictional kingdom of Agrobah, a pastiche of the Middle East and South Asia. Initially casting was a hot-button topic, with many concerned Disney would white-wash the film.
Now there's outcry, with many criticising Disney for essentially feeling like they couldn't resist add a white character to the film.
Y'all can't even let brown people have their own fake kingdom? https://t.co/r7TcGY9efO
— Nicholai Joaquin (@nicholaisays) September 6, 2017
The production has seemingly come under fire for many casting choices, including hiring British-Indian actress Naomi Scott to play Jasmine.
HOWS THE OPENING SONG LITERALLY SAY "ARABIAN NIGHTS" AND YALL GONNA CAST AN INDIAN ACTRESS FOR JASMINE. IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE @Disney
— raya #DefendDACA (@jaxandmiles) July 15, 2017
While there hasn't been much confirmed with Magnussen's character there might be surprises, however many diehard Disney fans have decided there just really isn't a need for his character's addition into the film.
The gentrification of Agrabah has begun. Next up, gourmet, artisanal hummus. https://t.co/UbTgBDU2of
— DoraMilaje Jen🏳️🌈 (@darlinginmyway) September 6, 2017
'Aladdin' also stars Mena Massoud as the titular Aladdin, Marwan Kenzari as Jafar and Will Smith as Genie. It's being directed by Guy Richie, who has a lot of ground to make up after his somewhat poorly received medieval epic flop 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword'.