Aladdin's lead actor is getting ready for the official release of Disney's live-action adaptation on May 24, and, well, he definitely hasn't forgotten his origins amid all the fame.
In a video uploaded on Twitter and Instagram, 27-year-old Mena Massoud invites his Egyptian fans to see the film ... all while speaking Arabic.
"People of Egypt, hello! I am so excited for you to watch Disney's production, Aladdin. I am proud to be part of the film and I hope you'll like and enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed myself while filming it," the actor said.
He then ended his video with a salutation to his country, repeatedly saying: "Long live Egypt."
Massoud was born in Egypt to Coptic parents but was raised in Canada. While his performance in Aladdin has yet to be seen, his appearance in the film's trailer has been well-received.
He stars in the film alongside British-Indian actress Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine), Will Smith (Genie), and Dutch-Tunisian actor Marwan Kenzari (Jafar).
Before snagging the lead role in Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation, Massoud starred in several films including Jack Ryan (2017), Open Heart (2015), and Saving Hope (2012). In 2019, he's got more than just Aladdin up his alley. Four other movies in which he stars will be released at the end of this year, including American noir-thriller Strange But True and Canadian-American drama film Run This Town.
But for now, he's on a whirlwind Magic Carpet World Tour promoting Aladdin. He recently attended the movie's private Arab premiere in Jordan, where several of the film's scenes were shot.
Egyptian fans are just loving Massoud's message
The excitement was REAL
"Don't worry, you've got 100 million Egyptians right behind you"
That fluent Arabic though
"We are so proud of you"
"Ta7ya Masr"
