Disney accused of whitewashing after Billy Magnussen casting in Aladdin

Many questioned why a new “white” character was necessary
Backlash: Actor Billy Magnussen
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Emma Powell6 September 2017
The Weekender

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Disney has come up against whitewashing accusations after casting Billy Magnussen in the upcoming live-action Aladdin remake.

The 32-year-old actor will play Prince Anders – a new role which was not present in the 1992 animated film.

He will star alongside Mena Massoud, who is of Egyptian background, as Aladdin, and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine in the Guy Ritchie directed film.

Magnussen was heavily criticised after he retweeted a link to the news of his casting, with many questioning why an additional “white” character was necessary.

One Twitter user posted: “NOPE. I do not approve of this. This decision is stupid.”

Another tweeted: “I don't wanna see them throw a white man in to a strong cultural movie he had no scenes in the first one doesn't need a spot in this one.”

Producer Dan Lin promised fans earlier this year that he and Ritchie will “make a movie that’s authentic to that world”.

Speaking to Variety he said: “I mean, I’m not a typical guy. Listen, I’m very fortunate working in Hollywood; I am diverse. So 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.”

The uproar comes days after Ed Skrein stepped down from his role as Major Ben Daimio in the upcoming Hellboy reboot after learning that his character was of Asian heritage in the original comics.

Skrein said he was pulling out “so the role can be cast appropriately” following “intense conversation and understandable upset” over white washing fears.

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