It was the casting call that felt like it would never end. Back in 2017, the internet was convinced Disney couldn't find a single person on the planet who could sing, dance, and look like a street rat from Agrabah. Then, out of nowhere, we got the names. Mena Massoud. Naomi Scott. And, of course, the Big Willie himself, Will Smith.
Now that we’re sitting here in 2026, looking back at that 2019 billion-dollar hit, the story of the live action Aladdin cast feels less like a fairy tale and more like a masterclass in the fickle nature of Hollywood. Some of these actors soared. Others basically vanished for a while. And one of them became a meme for being way too attractive to play a villain. Honestly, if you haven’t followed what happened after the magic carpet landed, you’re missing the best part of the story.
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The Diamond in the Rough: Mena Massoud
Mena Massoud was the guy who beat out thousands of hopefuls. He had the smile. He had the parkour skills. Most importantly, he had that "aw shucks" charm that made you believe he really was just a kid from the streets. But here's the wild part: after starring in a movie that made over $1 billion, Massoud famously revealed he couldn't even get an audition.
"I haven't had a single audition since Aladdin came out," he told the Daily Beast back in the day. It was a reality check for everyone who thought a Disney lead was a golden ticket.
Fast forward to 2026, and Massoud has kind of had to build his own kingdom. He didn't wait for the phone to ring forever. He launched Evolving Vegan, turned it into a book and a travel series, and started his own production company, Press Play Productions. He’s recently been tied to the upcoming film Daniel, showing he’s pivoting into more dramatic, serious territory. He’s definitely not the wide-eyed kid in the harem pants anymore.
The Princess Who Wanted to Rule: Naomi Scott
If Mena was the heart, Naomi Scott was the powerhouse. Her version of Princess Jasmine wasn't just there to be rescued; she wanted the Sultan's job. She also got the movie's only brand-new solo song, "Speechless," which basically became the anthem for every theatre kid for three years straight.
Scott’s career trajectory has been a bit steadier than Massoud's, though she’s been picky. You’ve probably seen her in the Charlie's Angels reboot (which... happened) and the Netflix hit Anatomy of a Scandal.
But the real shocker? Her pivot into horror. In 2024, she took the lead in Smile 2 as a pop star named Skye Riley. Critics absolutely lost their minds over it. It’s a far cry from the Disney palace, but it proved she’s got the range to go from singing to screaming without missing a beat.
The Genie in the Room: Will Smith
Let’s be real—Will Smith had the hardest job. He wasn't just playing a Genie; he was stepping into the blue-tinted shoes of Robin Williams. When the first trailer dropped and we saw the CGI blue Smith, the internet collectiveley gasped. And not the good kind of gasp. It looked... weird.
But then the movie actually came out.
Smith leaned into his "Fresh Prince" roots, adding a hip-hop flair to "Friend Like Me" that actually worked. He brought a big-brother energy to the role that felt fresh. Of course, his personal life became a whirlwind after the 2022 Oscars "slap heard 'round the world," but director Guy Ritchie has been one of his loudest defenders. Ritchie even went on record saying he’d cast Smith again in a heartbeat, calling him the "consummate gentleman" on the Aladdin set.
Hot Jafar and the Rest of the Crew
We have to talk about Marwan Kenzari. When he was cast as Jafar, the internet dubbed him "Hot Jafar." Usually, Jafar is supposed to be creepy and skeletal, but Kenzari brought this brooding, intense energy that made a lot of people secretly root for the villain.
Kenzari has since become a bit of an action staple. He was in The Old Guard on Netflix and played the villain Sabbac in DC’s Black Adam. He’s carved out a very specific niche as the international man of mystery with a jawline that could cut glass.
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Then there’s the supporting cast that really filled out the world:
- Navid Negahban as the Sultan (You might recognize him from Homeland).
- Nasim Pedrad as Dalia. She was the secret weapon of the movie, providing most of the laughs as Jasmine’s handmaiden and Genie's love interest.
- Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders. He was the only major white character added to the film, and while some fans were skeptical, his "clueless royal" bit was genuinely funny.
Why Aladdin 2 Is a Giant Question Mark
As of right now, early 2026, the status of Aladdin 2 is basically "it's complicated." For a long time, Disney said it was happening. They even hired writers to come up with a new story that wasn't just a remake of The Return of Jafar.
But the stars aren't so sure. Naomi Scott recently took to social media to debunk rumors that filming was starting this year, calling the reports "completely fake." Mena Massoud has also been vocal about the fact that it’s been nearly a decade since they filmed the first one and "life just goes on."
While Disney loves a sequel, the logistics of getting this specific cast back together—especially with their varying career paths and Will Smith's complex standing in the industry—makes it a tough sell.
What You Should Watch Next
If you’re a fan of this cast and want to see what they’re doing now, here’s the roadmap:
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- For Naomi Scott fans: Watch Smile 2. It’s a total 180 from Jasmine, but her performance is incredible.
- For Mena Massoud fans: Check out his travelogue Evolving Vegan. It’s actually really charming even if you aren't into plant-based eating.
- For Marwan Kenzari fans: The Old Guard is your best bet for seeing him in full-blown action mode.
The legacy of the live action Aladdin cast isn't just about the movie they made; it’s about how they’ve handled the "Disney Curse" and moved into different genres. Whether we ever see them back in Agrabah or not, they’ve definitely left their mark on the kingdom.
To stay updated on any official announcements regarding a sequel, keep an eye on Disney’s D23 press releases, as that’s usually where they drop the real news rather than the Twitter rumors.