Disney accused of whitewashing after casting white prince in live-action ‘Aladdin’

The upcoming live-action remake of Aladdin just got a brand new character, and some fans are not pleased with the casting.

The Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday that the new film would introduce a new character to the story, a Prince Anders, played by Into the Woods star Billy Magnussen.

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No other details were offered about the character, but many fans already knew enough to be upset by the choice to add a white prince to the Middle East-set story.

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Fans had been worried about Disney whitewashing the story, which is being directed by Guy Ritchie and written by John August, both of whom are white. The casting of actors Mena Massoud and Marwan Kenzari had put some of those concerns to rest temporarily, though there were complaints when Naomi Scott, who is British-Indian, was cast as Jasmine.

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The casting of Magnussen in the new role has once again raised concern over the way Hollywood approaches diversity.

Disney have yet to respond to the criticism.