Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin Movie Will Begin Filming This Year

Disney is going all-in on the live-action movie adaptations, and Aladdin seems to be high on their list. The studio has hired visionary director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword) to helm the film.

For a while, there was no indication as to when Aladdin would begin production. With Beauty and The Beast and The Lion King taking up the future space, many thought it could be a while before we saw any news regarding the adventure film.

This week however, everyone was given a pleasant surprise – Aladdin is filming in just a few months.

A casting call was tweet out on Wednesday, asking for Middle Eastern actors and actresses, who are also talented singers. This is an open casting call – meaning anyone can audition for the roles – and it’s being held for the lead roles of Aladdin and Jasmine.

At the end of the ad, it is revealed that production will be underway much sooner than expected. Rehearsals for the movie will begin in April, and it’s set to film in the UK from July 2017 to January 2018.

This call also puts many fans at ease, as it proves that actors of Middle Eastern descent will be cast as the film’s lead roles.

Right now, Disney is spending its time gearing up for its most pressing musical release with Beauty and the Beast. The iconic animated film will re-enter theaters as a live-action project starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.

Beauty and the Beast will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

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