Tom Hardy could be Jafar in live action remake of ‘Aladdin’

Tom Hardy stars in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk”, out July 21. AFP/ Niklas Halle’n

The British actor could be set to re-team with director Guy Ritchie for the live-action remake of Disney’s “Aladdin”, according to The Sun.

The actor, who bagged an Oscar nomination last year for his performance in “The Revenant”, is tipped to play Jafar, the Royal Vizier of an Arabian Sultan, who wants to get his hands on the magic lamp in order to take power. But the lamp, which grants three wishes to its finder, is hidden in a cave that can only be entered by those pure of heart.

Will Smith is already on board to play the Genie of the Lamp. “Aladdin” would see the two actors star side by side for the first time, after their initial collaboration on “Suicide Squad” fell through. Tom Hardy was originally set to play Rick Flag in the DC Comics movie, but the role eventually went to Joel Kinnaman (“The Killing”, “House of Cards”).

Guy Ritchie and Disney still have to find actors to play the movie’s lead roles, Aladdin and Jasmine. Media reports suggest that the filmmakers will focus on Middle Eastern actors, reflecting the setting of the studio’s 31st animated classic, released in 1992. The movie, which landed during Disney’s second golden age, was a huge hit, grossing over $500 million at the global box office. JB

RELATED STORY:

Tom Hardy writes moving letter for his dog, best friend ‘Woody’