Earlier today it was revealed that there would be a fan favorite missing from the live-action Aladdin, but it turns out that is not the case.
According to a source close to the project, Princess Jasmine’s pet tiger Rajah will indeed be in the film. There are certain staples of the animated Aladdin, and adorable sidekicks like Abu, Iyago, and Rajah are all definitely part of the magic.
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Rajah’s main role is to serve as Jasmine’s friend and protector within the confines of the palace, at least until she starts riding magic carpets with Aladdin. Rajah isn’t exactly fond of Aladdin at first, but he does eventually come around.
While the film will now include the beloved feline, it will also introduce several new characters, including the part played by Nasim Pedrad. Pedrad will play the part of Jasmine’s handmaiden Dalia, and actress Naomi Scott will allow some opportunities to explore new parts of Jasmine’s personality.
“I never realized it, but in the animation, Jasmine is really the only female character — isn’t that crazy?” Scott said. “The Dalia character is so important to this movie because she’s the only other female character. She may be the handmaiden but they’re best friends; they’re so close because they’ve grown up together. So we wanted people to watch the movie and see Jasmine’s relationship with another woman, and be like, ‘Ah, that’s what I’m like with my girlfriend,’ or ‘We would so do that if I was in that position.’ That’s something that’s missing from the animation.”
Above all else though, Scott wants to make sure Jasmine is true to the original. “Everyone involved in this project weren’t afraid to really just rip things down and start again, especially the Princess Jasmine character because it’s so important to get that right.”
While the film will add new pieces to the beloved film, it will also include plenty of respect for the original, including the music. Composer Alan Menken is returning for the live-action adaptation, coming off of Disney‘s massively successful Beauty and the Beast live-action project.
Aladdin is set to hit theaters on May 24, 2019.
[Via EW]
