Will Smith Offers His Opinion On His 'Aladdin' Co-Star Mena Massoud's Audition Woes
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Mena Massoud Says He's Struggling to Land Auditions Since Starring in 'Aladdin'
'Aladdin' Premiere in Los Angeles
An Unfortunate Reality
You would think that audition opportunities for Aladdin star Mena Massoud would be piling up after the movie made over $1 billion worldwide and got better than expected reviews. However, the Egyptian Canadian actor explained in a recent interview that he hasn't booked a single audition since Aladdin was released.
"I'm kind of tired of staying quiet about it. I want people to know that it's not always dandelions and roses when you're doing something like Aladdin. (People think) '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."
He's Still Hustling
Despite the setbacks, Massoud explained that he's still dedicated to making it in Hollywood. He doesn't expect to be handed things; he just wants the chance to be considered.
"It's like, I'm sitting here being like, 'OK, Aladdin just hit $1 billion. Can I at least get an audition?' I'm not expecting you to be, like, 'Here's Batman.' But can I just get in the room? Can you just give me a chance? So, it’s not always what you think.
Still hustling on the grind trying to get my next job and, you know, more people recognize me here and there, but the hustle's the same."
Will Smith Weighs In
At the premiere of his new animated film Spies In Disguise, Massoud's Aladdin's costar Will Smith was asked about the young actor's plight. Smith responded:
"The thing about this business, that is not unlike life, it’s hard by design. It’s like the universe, God, whatever you believe, designed it to be hard. So, if you’re having a hard time it’s because you’re supposed to."
It Is Designed To Be Hard
Smith continued, encouraging Massoud to keep on that grind, even when the going is tough.
"That difficulty is overcome by patience, commitment, dedication, endurance — so if you have a dream, you desperately have to be willing to work on it every single hour of the day with your deepest love and focus. You can not get around having a hard time."
