'Aladdin' Movie Casting Problems Create Trouble For Director Guy Ritchie

Disney's live-action "Aladdin" reboot hit a wall after struggling to lock down lead actors in time for the film's initial July shoot, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Walt Disney Studios and film director Guy Ritchie launched a worldwide casting call for the movie in March with the help of casting director Randi Hiller, but the thrill ride film has yet to begin production, causing the shoot to be pushed back to August.

The initial announcement of an "Aladdin" reboot emerged around the time Disney confirmed it would bring other animated title's out of its coveted vault for a live-action makeover, including "Mulan," "Pinnochio" and "Dumbo." "Beauty and The Beast," "The Jungle Book" and "Alice in Wonderland" are among a growing list of Disney's successful live-action ventures.

Read: Will Smith Eyeing Genie Role In Disney’s ‘Aladdin’

Like its animated predecessor, "Aladdin" is set to be a musical film, and Disney will hire a triple-threat talent in their 20s to fill the shoes of the iconic role. Besides acting chops, the actor needs to possess the ability to sing and dance, according to the casting notice published to both Backstage and Movie Casting Call. The studio also required the actor seeking to portray Aladdin to be of Middle Eastern or Indian descent, like the characters in the original animated tale.

Dev Patel and Riz Ahmed were initially considered for the titular role, but they're likely to welcome a newcomer to tackle Aladdin. Roughly 2,000 actors have auditioned for the lead parts of Jasmine and Aladdin, with no such luck on Disney's end. "Power Rangers" star Naomi Scott, an English actress of Indian descent, is reportedly in the running to portray Jasmine on the big screen, according to THR. The studio is reportedly seeking a well-known actor to take on the role of Jafar.

Will Smith is the only actor listed under the movie's IMDb profile. The "Suicide Squad" actor, while only rumored to have joined the project, is reportedly in early talks to portray the Genie in the Ritchie-directed flick. Genie was originally voiced by Robin Williams in the 1992 version. Although Smith is not of Indian or Middle Eastern descent, Genie will be portrayed as an animated character in the live-action retelling of "Aladdin."

Smith was also allegedly considered for a role in the upcoming Tim Burton-directed live-action "Dumbo" adaptation, but a deal was never formalized, according to Deadline. Salary and scheduling woes were cited as reasons for the actor's decision to depart the project.

Read: ‘Jane The Virgin’ Star Justin Baldoni Wants To Play Aladdin

Live-action adaptations of Disney's classic animated films have proven to be a successful revenue stream for the company. "Beauty and The Beast" raked in $1.26 billion worldwide in March, making it the highest-grossing film of 2017 so far. The Emma Watson and Dan Stevens-led remake also earned the title of highest-grossing live-action musical film of all time.

"The Jungle Book," "Maleficent," "Cinderella" and the first "Alice in Wonderland" live-action adaptations had respectable box office runs, too.

"Aladdin" made $504 million globally during its box office debut in 1992, making it a smart candidate for Disney's live-action treatment. Although casting woes may be plaguing the film's magical journey, Disney may not need to use their three wishes from Genie to resolve this problem.

Walt Disney Studios has seen payoffs in the past with delaying production to cast appropriate actors to bring Disney's most iconic characters to life. "Cinderella" star Lily James originally auditioned for one of Cinderella's step-sisters before being asked to audition for Ella, according to a 2015 report from ABC News. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" actress Daisy Ridley also went through an intense audition process to earn the role of Rey.

"Aladdin" will be produced by Dan Lin with John August on board to pen the screenplay. The film is slated for a 2018 release date.

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