Aladdin star Mena Massoud says he hasn’t racked up a single audition since the Disney blockbuster hit cinemas, shooting down suggestions that leading a US$1 billion (AU$1.46 billion) hit results in instant success.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, the 28-year-old said he’s “kind of tired of staying quiet” about the reality of his situation.
“I want people to know that it’s not always dandelions and roses when you’re doing something like Aladdin,” he said.
“‘He must have made millions. He must be getting all these offers.’ It’s none of those things. I haven’t had a single audition since Aladdin came out.”
The revelation comes after a long period of advocacy from Massoud, an Egyptian-Canadian actor who has established the Ethnically Diverse Artists foundation to promote inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry.
Massoud told The Daily Beast that he is usually the “wild card” in auditions “in a room of Caucasian guys”.
He said that was the case during auditions for his upcoming show, Reprisal, which occurred after he wrapped up on Aladdin but before the film hit cinemas.
Despite the press around Aladdin and the fact Massoud beat out 2,000 other actors for the Disney gig, he said Reprisal director Josh Corbin “had no fucking idea” who he was.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DuNIbAisAs
The revealing interview comes as Massoud attempts to move past the “up-and-comer” label.
You can read the full chat here, while casting agents nationwide probably scramble to link up with the high-profile and clearly available actor.
