The casting controversy surrounding the animated classic Aladdin has resurfaced, raising eyebrows over Disney’s decision to base the character on Tom Cruise instead of the beloved Michael J. Fox. In the 1980s, Disney executives opted for Cruise’s iconic image over Fox’s, leading to questions about the rationale behind such a choice, especially when both actors were at the height of their popularity. Fans are left feeling frustrated and pained by the industry’s unyielding standards of beauty and appeal.
Back to the Future, a revered film featuring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, hit theaters in 1985 and has been celebrated as one of the greatest films ever made. Despite this, reports suggest that Disney did not find Fox’s image appealing enough for their animated Aladdin. Historical documents shared by Newspapers.com reveal that initial drafts of Aladdin were based on Fox’s likeness but underwent drastic changes to take on a more muscular form akin to Tom Cruise.
This arbitrary decision raises serious concerns about Hollywood’s treatment of actors who do not fit the conventional mold of attractiveness. According to insiders, the studio believed that Fox’s face did not resonate with female audiences, prompting a complete redesign of the character. As a result, Aladdin was transformed into a character that echoed Tom Cruise rather than retaining any resemblance to Fox, leaving many to question the integrity of such a decision.
Ironically, during this era, Michael J. Fox could have played the role of Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 film Top Gun, a role that ultimately went to Tom Cruise. Fox was also an immensely popular figure thanks to his work on the NBC sitcom Family Ties. Yet, due to scheduling conflicts and a busy workload portraying Marty McFly, Fox had to step back, allowing Cruise to seize the opportunity.
The ripple effects of these decisions continue to haunt the conversation around Hollywood’s portrayal of talent and attractiveness. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, Fox’s acting career diminished significantly, leading to his retirement in 2020. Meanwhile, Aladdin remains a staple of animated cinema, boasting an impressive 8/10 rating on IMDb and a remarkable 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. Today, it is available to stream on Disney+, although many fans cannot shake the lingering disappointment over what might have been.