Disney Studios has drawn criticism from its fans for casting Naomi Scott as Jasmine in its upcoming remake of “Aladdin.” Guy Ritchie is reportedly directing the live action adaptation, but the movie has not been without its problems in the early stages – with the filmmaker struggling to find the right actors.

Disney confirmed on Sunday, July 16, that it had finalized Mena Massoud for the titular character and “Power Rangers” actress Naomi Scott for the role of Jasmine. Will Smith, on the other hand, is set to play Genie in “Aladdin.” However, Disney has faced a backlash from its social media fans over Naomi’s casting.

According to the fans, they wanted Disney and Guy Ritchie to cast stars with an Arab heritage. As we know that the original “Aladdin” was set in the fictional country of Agrabah, many fans assumed that the country was located in the heart of Middle East. So, they wanted the actors to be from Arab countries.

Fans are continuously criticizing Disney

While Mena Massoud is originally from Egypt, there has been some criticism of Disney’s choice to cast Naomi, who is from Britain. She was born to a British father and an Indian mother. “Aladdin” also stars Will Smith as Genie – a character that was previously played by Robin Williams in the 1992 hit film.

‘Aladdin’ remake is facing backlash

Disney’s new project is facing backlash for casting a British girl as Jasmine.

Some fans claim that Noami Scott is not the right choice and Disney should consider replacing her with an Arabian woman.

A report by The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Guy Ritchie and Disney auditioned over three thousand actors from Egpyt, London, Dubai, and India. They confirmed Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott after auditioning them several times.

And after all that build-up, fans are still unhappy with the studio’s decision. They believe that Mena Massoud is suitable for the character of Aladdin, but Naomi Scott does not deserve to play Jasmine. Disappointed fans have expressed their dismay in social media. One of them points out that Naomi is white while Jasmine is black.

Hence, she cannot be tolerated in the new film. Neither Disney nor Guy Ritchie has commented anything in this regard.

Naomi Scott was previously starred as Mohini in Disney Channel’s “Lemonade Mouth,” and as Maddy Shannon in science fiction movie “Terra Nova.” A report by Hollywood Life reveals that Disney may begin shooting of “Aladdin” in the last week of August.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED