Disney’s new live action remake of Aladdin will star Markham resident Mena Massoud. The news of the casting first broke over the weekend at Disney’s D23 fan con in California.

Massoud was born in Egypt and grew up in Markham, Ont. After transferring to Ryerson from U of T, he graduated from Ryerson’s performance acting program in 2014.

“It couldn’t have happened to a better guy,” said the program’s director Cynthia Ashperger. “He’s got a great work ethic, great humility. He isn’t just a two-dimensional pretty boy. He really has the depth and substance as well as the good looks.”

Massoud has starred in TV dramas Open Heart and Saving Hope. He is also going to star in a TV adaptation of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

“A lot of the Egyptian community is made up of doctors, pharmacists and engineers. All throughout high school I took sciences, but eventually I chose to pursue what I truly want to do,” said Massoud in a previous interview with a local newspaper. “I love my parents and we have a terrific relationship. They have been very supportive of my career choice.”

Massoud will join actress Naomi Scott as the Power Rangers star takes on the role of Princess Jasmine, along with Will Smith as Genie. Aladdin will be directed by Guy Ritchie and is supposed to begin filming in August.

Image via menamassey/Instagram