The megastar makes a pit-stop through Petra while filming Aladdin.
Filming has been in production for two months, but the cast of Aladdin are making sure to take plenty of opportunities to enjoy their surroundings.
The cast of the live-action Disney remake have been shooting scenes in Jordan of late—but there’s been time for play as well as work.
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On Wednesday, Will Smith—who’s playing the Genie—shared an image showing the film’s stars touring the archaeological marvel that is Petra.
“It’s been on my bucket list for about 20 years. It’s crazy!” the Fresh Prince star wrote of the “Rose City”.
The actor also passed on a “special ‘thank you’ to the Royal Family and to the people of Jordan”.
“You all took perfect care of us,” said Smith. “We shall return!”
Hold up—Will Smith was potentially in a room with King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan? We need pictures and anecdotes, stat.
According to Al Rai newspaper, scenes for Aladdin are being shot in the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, with Smith also spotted dining in the nearby coastal city of Aqaba.
Snatch director Guy Ritchie is heading up the live-action remake, which follows street urchin Aladdin after he’s granted three wishes.
Egyptian-Canadian actor Mena Massoud will be taking us on a magic carpet ride in the lead role, with English-Indian actress and singer Naomi Scott set to play Princess Jasmine.
Tunisian-Dutch actor Marwan Kenzari will take on the villianous Jafar, though Aladdin Live hasn’t been free from controversy, with some critics calling out Disney for not casting more Arab stars.
(The recently announced introduction of a new character, Prince Anders, played by Billy Magnussen, hasn’t done much to help).
Disney, however, stated it was determined to find leads of Middle Eastern or Indian descent, as the film is set in the fictional Middle Eastern city of Agrabah.
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A global casting call was launched in March to find stars who not only looked the part, but could also act and sing. According to TheHollywood Reporter, around 2,000 actors and actresses read for the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine.
No release date has yet been revealed, but we’ll keep you updated…
Image: Will Smith/Facebook
