Canadian actor cast as Aladdin in Disney’s new live-action movie

Recently, Disney announced a live-action adaptation of the 1992 animated classic, Aladdin.

Mena Massoud, a Toronto actor, has been cast as the lead role alongside Naomi Scott, as Jasmine, and Will Smith, who will be playing Genie.

Mena Massoud announced as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Jasmine, and Will Smith as Genie in live-action Aladdin! #D23Expo

— Disney (@Disney) July 15, 2017

Massoud was born in Egypt but raised in Canada, and has starred in multiple television series including Jack Ryan, The 99, Open Heart and others.

...the fleeting subtle moments that go consciously unnoticed but stealthily impactful. #montreal #lovingit #jackryan #cantwait

A post shared by Mena Massoud (@menamassey) on Mar 25, 2017 at 8:52am PDT

'Spring has past, summer has gone and winter is here. And the song that I meant to sing remains unsung. I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument.' A saying no one should carry the burden of. Play your instrument every single day - you'll only get better. New shots by the incredible @denisegrant1

A post shared by Mena Massoud (@menamassey) on Oct 16, 2016 at 10:04am PDT

The live-action Aladdin will be directed by Sherlock Holmes filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who is drawing influences from the original movie from 1992 and the classic Arabic folktales of One Thousand And One Nights.