I’ve covered news of Disney’s live-action Aladdin for the last five months. From how the original makes for difficulties in any adaptation to casting problems and successes.
So when The Hollywood Reporter released an interview with Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) who will portray Jasmine, I was excited. That excitement grew when I read the piece. It focuses on the film’s creatives rewriting her character and the new addition. Jasmine is now a “well-rounded character” and a “multi-dimensional woman.”
Scott stated the writers weren’t afraid to start over again “because it’s so important” to get her character right. This Jasmine’s goal isn’t just falling in love and marriage.
Instead, her “main objective is what’s best for her kingdom.” That’s pretty incredible considering how the original does nothing to indicate Jasmine’s feelings about ruling her father’s empire. It does have the Sultan change the rules, so Jasmine marries whoever she believes worthy. That’s not saying much considering the entire premise is about Jafar being a grade A jerk and Aladdin saving the day.
Jasmine will be “strong and have fun, but also get it wrong and be emotional.” The audience will “really get a sense that she has those leadership qualities within her.” About time, especially since we know the new male character is a prince who wants to marry her. Likely for the same reasons, Jafar does.
Scott also spoke about Dalia, the handmaiden created for this adaptation.
“I never realized it, but in the animation, Jasmine is really the only female character,” which is ridiculous. Dalia may be Jasmine’s handmaiden but “they’re best friends, ” and the writers wrote them as a pair for audiences to relate themselves to. It helps that both Scott and Nasim Pedrad (Scream Queens) who portrays Dalia adore each other.
THR didn’t include anything about the male characters or other plot points. However, what Scott told them so far makes me believe this film could have major potential! I, for one, cannot wait for more news.