Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Aladdin actor Navid Negahban responds to whitewashing concerns

'The garden should be filled with flowers of different kinds'

Jack Shepherd
Monday 15 January 2018 17:21 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

When Disney announced Guy Ritchie would be directing a live-action version of Aladdin many heads turned, people questioning how diverse the production would be.

One point of contention has been the casting of Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders, a white character created for the upcoming film.

Reports of Disney “browning up” dozens of white actors for various Asian roles in the movie were also published, the company arguing: “This is the most diverse cast ever assembled for a Disney live-action production.”

Iranian-born actor Navid Negahban, who plays the Sultan, has spoken to The Huffington Post about accusations of whitewashing, saying: “It’s not whitewashing.”

“The thing is that the garden should be filled with flowers of different kinds,” the actor told the publication.

“If not, the garden is going to be very boring. So you’re gonna go and see this beautiful garden with colourful flowers, and I just hope that you enjoy the journey.

“Just go enjoy the journey because you will definitely love the film. It doesn’t matter how old you are, the film has something for you to take away from it.”

Egyptian-Canadian actor Mena Massoud — best known for roles in Jack Ryan and Open Heart — will play the movie’s titular character, while Naomi Scott portrays Princess Jasmine. Will Smith has been cast as the Genie, with Marwan Kenzari playing Jafar.

Aladdin reaches cinemas 24 May 2019.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in