Disney's Live-Action Aladdin Casts Billy Magnussen As Brand-New Character
Aladdin won't be the only handsome royal in Disney's live-action Aladdin.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming adaptation will feature a character not seen in the 1992 animated classic: Prince Anders, set to be played by Bridge of Spies actor Billy Magnussen. The role is one specifically created for the 'toon-to-reality translation, with all other details on the character remaining under lock, key, and a touch of Disney's magical security measures.
What we do know, however, is that Magnussen is joining newcomer Mena Massoud as the titular street rat turned adored prince, Power Rangers actress Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, Murder on the Orient Express star Marwan Kenzari as the villainous Jafar, Will Smith as Genie, and Homeland actor Numan Acar as Hakim, Jafar's confidant. He'll also act alongside Saturday Night Live alum Nasim Pedrad as another original character, a handmaiden and friend of Jasmine's named Mara.
Magnussen is no stranger to playing Disney princes, as he previously appeared in Rob Marshall's Into the Woods as Rapunzel's Prince, in which he performed the oft-imitated "Agony" duet with Wonder Woman star Chris Pine.
The actor was last spotted in Ingrid Goes West, the indie flick led by Aubrey Plaza. He also had roles in Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies and Adam McKay's The Big Short. On the television side of things, Magnussen appeared in Netflix's Black Mirror, Epix's Get Shorty, and FX's The People v. O.J. Simpson, in which he portrayed Kato Kaelin. He'll next star opposite Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams in New Line Cinema's comedy pic Game Night.
Directed by Sherlock Holmes helmer Guy Ritchie and The Lego Movie producer Dan Lin, Aladdin is yet another installment into Disney's ever-growing pantheon of live-action remakes. Upcoming projects include Jon Favreau's The Lion King and Niki Caro's Mulan.
Death Note producer Jonathan Eirich is on board as executive producer, with Mary Poppins Returns producer Marc Platt and Frozen executive movie producer Chris Montan attached to consult on the film. Big Fish writer John August has penned the new script, which will likely feature new plot-lines and musical numbers to accommodate its never-before-seen characters.
The live-action Aladdin doesn't yet have a release date, so while we wait to hear more, check out the things about the animated film that you only notice as an adult.