Disney's Live-Action Aladdin Finds Its Jafar 

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Disney’s live action adaptation of Aladdin has found its Jafar as former SNL cast member Marwan Kenzari, the actor who is poised to breakthrough as part of the all-star cast of the upcoming Murder on the Orient Express, is in negotiations to star as the villain. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, at the same time, former Saturday Night Live comedienne Nasim Pedrad has landed a role created specifically for the new movie.  

The pair will join Will Smith who’ll be trying to match the performance of the late, great Robin Williams as the Genie while Mena Massoud is the title character, a riffraff street rat who ends up over his head when he pretends to be a prince to win the hand of princess Jasmine, played by Naomi Scott.

 If a deal is made, Kenzari will play Jafar, the vizier to the sultan of the fictional city of Agrabah, who wants to use the genie to seize power. The character is now considered one of Disney’s most iconic villains and was originally voiced by Jonathan Freeman. 

Pedrad will land the role of Mara, the handmaiden and friend to Jasmine. The part is described as a comedic supporting role.

Guy Ritchie is directing the project that has a script by John August (Big Fish, Corpse Bride). Dan Lin, who worked with Ritchie on Sherlock Holmes, is producing.

Aladdin
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the ch...
Release Dates
10 Sep 2019-VOD
10 Sep 2019-DVD
24 May 2019-Cinema
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