After a worldwide search of over 2,000 actors, the leading roles of the Genie, Aladdin, and Princess Jasmine were announced this past weekend at the D23 Expo. Disney is now facing some criticism for the casting of Princess Jasmine.
Naomi Scott landed the role of Princess Jasmine, and her heritage as a half-white and half-Indian is causing some to question why Disney couldn’t find a female lead that is Arab to play the role. The film is expected to be set in the fictional city of Agrabah, which is inspired by a Middle Eastern city.
Many online have been extremely disappointed with Disney’s choice. One twitter user said, “I love Naomi Scott, but I don’t love the ‘brown people are interchangeable’ idea that Hollywood believes in so it’s a no from me…” On the flip side of the argument, others believe that the casting choice was made outside of the color of her skin, but because of her talents. Another twitter user said, “Y’all are complaining that Naomi Scott doesn’t have a brown-colored skin to play as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, Will Smith ain’t Blue.”
Credit: Digitalspy.com
Image Credit: Disney
