The live-action Disney musical film Aladdin, to be directed by Guy Ritchie, has opened up auditions this week in the UAE. This, a month after a casting call went out in the UK.
Pyramedia, at their Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices from April 5 to April 8, are seeking actors who can sing at a Broadway level for the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine.
Disney originally released the animated classic in 1992. In it, Aladdin is a young man in a fictional Middle Eastern city called Agrabah, who frees a genie from a magical lamp to get his wishes granted.
He faces off with evil forces and falls in love with a princess by the name of Jasmine.
Those auditioning for the live-action remake must be between the ages of 18-22 — a slightly different requirement than the 18-25 age bracket specified in a UK casting call. The latter had also specified that the characters are Middle Eastern.
Producer Dan Lin told press that he plans be faithful to the original Aladdin. The comment came amidst criticisms of whitewashing in Hollywood.
“When I came in to make the movie, I wanted to make a diverse version of the movie. Luckily for me, Guy Ritchie has the same vision and Disney has the same vision, so we’re not here to make Prince of Persia. We want to make a movie that’s authentic to that world,” he said.
Auditions in Abu Dhabi have already begun — April 5 and 6, between 11.30am and 6pm at the twofour54 building in Park Rotana Complex, 6011-6012 — while Dubai auditions will kick off on April 7 and 8, from 1-6pm at office 1606 in Aurora Tower in Dubai Media City.
The casting call describes Aladdin as a “very leading man handsome looks, incredibly charming, street savvy [sic], charismatic, very physically fit.” Meanwhile, Jasmine is a “very beautiful Princess, charismatic, highly independent and smart, physically fit.”
Auditions will consist of singing and reading. Training time has been scheduled, but Broadway-level abilities are a must. Dancing experience is preferred but not essential ‘at this stage’.
“Role will require full and total dedication, time and focus — very demanding role,” the call reads.
Those interested are asked to email a headshot, resume and location to nashwa.alruwaini@disneympp.com. Because auditions have been held in other countries, those who have submitted in another region are asked not to resubmit.
Rehearsals will begin this month and the film will begin shooting in July until the end of the year (a former casting call said shooting will continue until January 2018 in the UK).
For more information on UAE auditions, contact 02-4497044 or stars@pyramedia.biz.
