Genie Casting in Aladdin

[CedricOates]

I was just having a quick thought.

Will we ever see someone cast as the Genie either as the Principal or a Standby that doesn’t fit with the tradition of how they have cast the role? Or maybe even see a female take over!

I thought because the Genie is a mythical being, with no gender or sexual orientation, so maybe anyone can be cast in the role.

Thoughts? :)

[The Distinctive Baritone]

I’m sure regional productions will vary in casting, but I imagine that unless a celebrity wants to do it, it will continue to be black men in the Broadway production. We also don’t want another Great Comet situation, so...

[taylortrensch]

The Distinctive Baritone said: "I’m sure regional productions will vary in casting, but I imagine that unless a celebrity wants to do it, it will continue to be black men in the Broadway production. We also don’t want another Great Comet situation, so..."

I have seen Aladdin several times here in Tokyo and with different Genies who are all big, tall, and tan men.

[MarkBearSF]

Consider also that the role isn't "a" genie - it is the Genie from the DIsney film of Aladdin. There is a specific look for the character. Even more than a well-known movie or stage character portrayed by a different actor, the character "Genie" IS the drawing.

[HamilHansen]

I'd like to see a (this would never happen of course) Daveed Diggs take on the Genie. It could be something special. 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

MarkBearSF said: "Consider also that the role isn't "a" genie - it is the Genie from the DIsney film of Aladdin. There is a specific look for the character. Even more than a well-known movie or stage character portrayed by a different actor, the character "Genie" IS thedrawing."

 

I hear they did reach out to various members of The Blue Man Group, but none of them replied.