Fans ofAladdinmay soon see Prince Anders in a whole newlightas a spin-off starringBilly Magnussenis reportedly in the works.
Magnussen, who played Prince Anders in the live-action film released earlier this year, will reprise his role in the project, which is in the early development stages with Disney+,according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
The spin-off will be centered around Prince Anders, who was added to the cast for the live-action remake, the outlet reported. Rising writers Jordan Dunn and Michael Kvamme have been brought on to write the script.
In the film, Prince Anders was a suitor from Skanland and a potential husband for Princess Jasmine. Magnussen, 34, won fans over with his quirkiness and humor.
Magnussen reportedly brought the idea of a spinoff to Disney, according toThe Hollywood Reporter, and has been involved with the scriptwriting.
A representative for Disney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Magnussen’s spin-off comes just after his costarMena Massoud— who played Aladdin himself — made headlines on Tuesday after he revealed in an interview with The Daily Beast thatno new opportunities have come his waysinceAladdinwas released, despite the movie crossing the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office.
“I’m kind of tired of staying quiet about it,” he told the outlet. “I want people to know that it’s not always dandelions and roses when you’re doing something likeAladdin. ‘He must have made millions. He must be getting all these offers.’ It’s none of those things. I haven’t had a single audition sinceAladdincame out.”
Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.Disney
The actor, an Egyptian immigrant to Canada, added that his Middle Eastern background often makes him the “wild card” in casting calls with mostly white candidates — and it often leads to roles limited to characters like terrorists, which he has no interest in portraying in his work moving forward.
“There’s always a wild card or two when you’re casting,” he said. “… In a room of Caucasian guys, a director might be like, ‘Okay, let’s see, like, two guys who aren’t.’ And maybe they’ll be the wild card choice.”
In response, Massoud’s costarWill Smith— who played Genie — offered him so no-nonsense advice about Hollywood at theSpies in Disguiseworld premiere.
Disney
“It’s like the universe, God, whatever you believe, designed it to be hard. So, if you’re having a hard time it’s because you’re supposed to.”
Despite the many challenges that come with making it in Hollywood, Smith said it’s important to never give up.
source: people.com
