There has been far too much news this weekend coming in from D23 that it’s hard to keep up-to-date with the ins and outs of what the studio has announced – and as well as all things Marvel and Star Wars, the studio has made some inroads for one of their anticipated live-action remakes.

After reportedly struggling to find a cast for its upcoming Aladdin remake, the studio and director Guy Ritchie (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword) have finally found their leads for their “whole new world”.

Naomi Scott

First up, actors Mena Masooud and Naomi Scott are to take the lead roles of Aladdin and Jasmine respectively. While both have been acting in many films and television series’, they are still unknown enough to be considered “newcomers” with Masooud featuring in TV’s The 99 as well as starring with John Kransinki in the new Jack Ryan TV show.

Scott, meanwhile, is known to many as the Pink Ranger from this year’s Power Rangers film, as well as The 33.

Previously, such names as Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and Dev Patel (Lion) were linked to Aladdin, while Indian actress Tara Sutaria and Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall were reportedly up for Jasmine.

Mena Masooud

Biggest news of all is confirmation that Academy Award Nominee Will Smith (Suicide Squad) is our new Genie, taking over from the late Robin Williams, who portrayed the chracter so memorably in the 1992 animated film. No word on whether the Genie will be animated with Smith performing motion-capture, or whether it will be a mix of Smith and animation.

With Ritchie directing, the film is being written by John August (Big Fish), with award-winning composer Alan Menken, who recently worked on the Beauty & The Beast remake, returning to score the film and bring the original songs back to life alongside new material.

The film is scheduled to hit cinemas in 2019.