Guy Ritchie is currently attached to direct the live-action adaptation of Disney's Aladdin, and—for some reason—rumors are coming out that Ritchie's top choice to play the villain Jafar is none other than Dark Knight Rises actor Tom Hardy.
The rumor comes from UK Newspaper The Sun, and though it hasn't been confirmed that Hardy has been cast, it's said that he is one of the top contenders for the spot.
"Guy is a huge fan of Tom's work and securing him would be a major coup. There have been conversations and, although nothing is set in stone and things are subject to change, he's certainly one of Guy's favoured choices. It just depends on schedules whether he'll be able to sign up."
I can already imagine the backlash that would ensue if Hardy was announced the villain since it will be another "Hollywood Whitewashing" situation a la The Ancient One in Doctor Strange, Major Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell, and Tiger Lilly in Pan. Surely someone in that discussion room has some foresight should Hardy be cast.
Some fans already think that Hardy's casting won't push through since Hardy is working on Sony's Venom. A good candidate for the villain could be Indian actor Irrfan Khan who has appeared in several big Hollywood movies already like Life of Pi, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Jurassic World.
Hardy has actually worked with Ritchie before in the movie RocknRolla, and though his role isn't necessarily villainous, he was still pretty fun to watch. Maybe the source just misunderstood whatever lead them to believe that Hardy was being cast as Jafar. He might make a good Genie, I'm guessing.
No official release date has been set for Guy Ritchie's Aladdin.
See Also: Tom Hardy Officially Cast As Venom; Movie Also Finds Director
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