The search is over

After some controversy, Aladdin has cast its lead, titular character.

Mena Massoud, who is best known for his work in the Jack Ryan TV series, will play Aladdin. This news comes just days after The Hollywood Reporter published an article claiming that more than 2,000 actors and actresses had auditioned for the main role. It was proving more difficult than the studio imagined to find actors of Middle-Eastern descent.

Massoud will be joined by Naomi Scott, who will play Princess Jasmine. Scott was born in London, England and is best known for playing Kimberly — or the Pink Ranger — in the newest Power Rangers movie.

Perhaps most exciting, however, is that Will Smith will play the Genie. In the animated Aladdin, Robin Williams voiced the character and created one of the most infamous Disney Animated characters.

Aladdin, which is currently in pre-production, does not have a release date but more information is expected to be released soon.

Source: Polygon – Full