Moviegoers looking forward to watch "Aladdin" when it premieres in theaters on May 2019, will be introduced to a new song. It will feature Princess Jasmine and it will be a song about her empowerment as a woman.
Producer Dan Lin shared to Variety in a video interview that the new song for Princess Jasmine, which comes from songwriters Benji Pasek and Justin Paul ("The Greatest Showman"), is almost like her anthem. Its lyrics speak of her independence and strength, which she believes makes her qualified to be the ruler of her own kingdom.
Adding this new song in the live-action version of "Aladdin" brings a different depth to the character of Jasmine. Lin said that the animated version of the movie, which came out in 1992, showed that the princess as someone who simply wanted to meet a guy and explore what's outside of the castle. So, they developed this new song to give the character a more feminist take to follow the same progression as "Beauty and the Beast"(2017) with Emma Watson and "Cinderella" (2015) with Lily James.
Actress Naomi Scott is playing the role of the princess in this new adaptation. She told Entertainment Weekly that Jasmine is actually her favorite Disney princess as a child, along with Pocahontas.
She mentioned that her character has indeed been given a beautiful arc in the live-action "Aladdin." Jasmine will be able to display her leadership skills. What's more, she has a group of strong women surrounding her as well, which was missing in the animated film.
Scott also hinted that Jasmine's new song will resonate with many women. It's the kind of music that's about being able to speak out and finding a voice. But there's also another song that comes at the beginning of the movie. This, however, will be like a lullaby and not an anthem.
The actress was born in England to an English father and an Uganda-born Gujarati Indian mother. She has starred in the 2017 reboot of "Power Rangers" and "The Martian" with Matt Damon and director Ridley Scott. She's married to a football pro, Jordan Spence.
Meanwhile, it won't be "Aladdin" if the movie will not feature the iconic scene were Jasmine takes a magic carpet ride with the hero played by Mena Massoud. The actor described filming this scene with Scott as simply magical. They rehearsed for weeks to get the moment right because it's what viewers of the original film will be anticipating in the movie; to watch Aladdin and Jasmine fall in love.
But "Aladdin" is not just about a love story between two mismatched characters. It will also highlight the friendship of Aladdin with the Genie and Abu, as well as his connection with Jafar.
