Live-action Aladdin casts Marwan Kenzari as Jafar

Disney’s live-action Aladdin has found its beard-twirling villain.

EW can confirm Marwan Kenzari is in talks to star as the villainous Jafar in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming remake. Kenzari most recently appeared in Ben-Hur and The Mummy, and he’ll next be seen as part of the ensemble cast in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express.

Saturday Night Alive alum Nasim Pedrad has also signed on to Aladdin, playing the newly created role of Mara, Jasmine’s friend and handmaiden.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.

Last month at the D23 Expo, Disney announced that Mena Massoud will play the titular street rat from Agrabah, with Power Rangers star Naomi Scott starring as Jasmine. Will Smith has also been confirmed to star as the Genie.

The live-action film is based on the beloved 1992 animated movie, but at D23, Disney teased that the new Aladdin will also draw from classic Arabic folk tales, and the city of Agrabah will be influenced by places like the Middle East, India, and China.