Aladdin actor hits back at ‘whitewashing’ criticism ahead of Disney remake

Iranian actor Navid Negahban has hit out at the whitewashing claims levelled against the upcoming Aladdin remake.

The film sparked a backlash after Guy Ritchie was announced as the director with Billy Magnussen cast as Prince Anders, a new role that was not present in the 1992 Disney animated classic.

Negahban, who will play the Sultan, used a metaphor to argue that the criticism is a non-issue.

“It’s not whitewashing,” he told Huffington Post. “The thing is that the garden should be filled with flowers of different kinds. 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.”

He continued: “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.”

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 last 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.”

Mena Massoud, who is of Egyptian background, will play Aladdin while Naomi Scott will take on Princess Jasmine.