Aladdin, the titular protagonist of Disney's 1992 animated feature film of the same name, is a character deeply rooted in Middle Eastern folklore. Based on the Aladdin folk tales from One Thousand and One Nights, Aladdin's journey from a street rat to a hero is a compelling narrative of self-discovery, love, and overcoming adversity.

Background

Born to Cassim and Zena in Agrabah, Aladdin's early life was marked by hardship. His father left in search of a better life for the family, and Aladdin was later orphaned when his mother passed away. This left him to fend for himself on the streets, never receiving a formal education or having a positive role model. He resorted to theft to survive, often sharing his stolen goods with those even less fortunate, embodying a Robin Hood-like figure.

An early encounter with Razoul, the captain of the Sultan's guard, highlights Aladdin's resourcefulness and agility. Even as a young boy, he managed to outwit the guards, showcasing the skills that would later serve him well. During his mid-teens, he assembled his signature outfit, a purple vest, red fez, and baggy cream pants, marking the beginning of his iconic look.

At the age of ten, Aladdin befriended Amal, a fellow street rat. However, Amal's selfish greed clashed with Aladdin's values, leading to their separation. Later, Aladdin joined a circus troupe where he met Abu, a monkey who would become his loyal sidekick and best friend.

Development

The character of Aladdin underwent significant development during the film's production. Initially conceived as a younger boy, animator Glen Keane envisioned Aladdin as having a more vulnerable appearance. However, executive producer Jeffrey Katzenberg felt that a meek Aladdin would not be believable as a romantic interest for Princess Jasmine. Keane revised the character, making him more muscular and defined, while retaining a sense of youth and innocence.

An early storyline involved Aladdin's mother, with his quest driven by a desire to make her proud. This concept was eventually scrapped, with writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio suggesting its removal to streamline the narrative.

Personality

Despite his difficult upbringing, Aladdin is portrayed as an optimistic, fun-loving, and charming character. He finds joy in escaping the guards and provides for others, demonstrating his selflessness. He is also intelligent and witty, using these traits to outsmart his enemies and formulate clever schemes. His street urchin status often allows him to be underestimated, giving him an advantage.

Aladdin's insecurities, stemming from his societal status, make him feel unworthy of Princess Jasmine's affections. This leads him to lie and hide his true self under the guise of "Prince Ali." However, by the climax of the original film, Aladdin embraces his true identity and rejects the falsehood. While his insecurities linger in the television series, his allies, especially Jasmine, help him regain his confidence.

Physical Appearance

Animated and designed by Glen Keane, Aladdin is a handsome, slender young man with broad shoulders, black, messy hair, thick eyebrows, and brown eyes. His street rat attire includes a purple vest, red fez, and baggy cream pants. As Prince Ali, he dons lavish clothing in cream, gold, white, and purple, resembling the Sultan's attire.

In Return of Jafar, Aladdin wears the Prince Ali outfit before being attacked by Abis Mal. At the end of the first film, he sports a purple Arabian coat with white shoulder armor and cream pants. In Aladdin and the King of Thieves, his wedding outfit is similar to his Prince Ali disguise. His everyday attire is an updated version of his original street clothes.

Abilities

Aladdin is an expert tactician, capable of outsmarting enemies and evading capture. He is resourceful, using objects creatively in various situations. His willpower allows him to face danger despite his fears. He possesses excellent speed, agility, and reflexes, honed from years of evading the Agrabah guards.

Aladdin is also a skilled swordsman and hand-to-hand combatant, capable of defending himself against formidable foes. He has animal communication skills, understanding Abu's gibberish. As an expert thief, he leverages his experience to navigate challenging situations. Despite not being his most noteworthy trait, Aladdin has a certain degree of strength.

Appearances

Aladdin

In the deserts outside Agrabah, Jafar seeks access to the Cave of Wonders. The cave's guardian warns that only the "diamond in the rough" may enter. Jafar discovers Aladdin and coerces him into retrieving the magic lamp. Aladdin's journey begins with stealing bread and generously giving it to orphans. He meets Princess Jasmine and rescues her from a peddler, leading to a deep connection.

Aladdin retrieves the lamp from the Cave of Wonders and unleashes Genie, who grants him three wishes. He wishes to become a prince to win Jasmine's heart. As Prince Ali, he impresses the Sultan but faces Jasmine's disdain for treating her like a prize. Aladdin takes Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, revealing his true self.

After being ambushed and left to drown by Jafar, Aladdin is saved by Genie. He exposes Jafar's treachery, leading to Jafar's escape and subsequent return as Genie's new master. Aladdin tricks Jafar into becoming a genie, trapping him in a lamp. He wishes for Genie's freedom and is chosen by Jasmine, leading to their engagement.

The Return of Jafar

After saving Agrabah, Aladdin is engaged to Jasmine and spends his time giving stolen riches to the poor. He encounters Iago, Jafar's parrot, and tries to convince the Sultan to pardon him. Jafar returns and manipulates Iago to exact revenge on Aladdin. Aladdin is framed for the Sultan's murder but is saved by Iago, who redeems himself by destroying Jafar's lamp.

Aladdin: The Series

The animated series follows Aladdin's adventures after The Return of Jafar. He battles monsters, searches for treasure, and keeps Agrabah safe. He meets new enemies and occasionally displays self-absorbed tendencies.

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Aladdin and Jasmine's wedding is interrupted by the Forty Thieves. Aladdin learns that his father, Cassim, is alive and the King of Thieves. He seeks out his father, faces execution, and eventually brings him to Agrabah. Cassim's theft leads to his imprisonment, and Aladdin helps him escape. Aladdin then joins forces with his father to find the Hand of Midas, ultimately saving Agrabah and marrying Jasmine.

Hercules: The Series

Aladdin appears in the crossover episode "Hercules and the Arabian Night." Jafar is revived by Hades, and the villains plot to eliminate their enemies. Aladdin teams up with Hercules to defeat Jafar once more.

House of Mouse

Aladdin is featured as a guest in the House of Mouse, often stealing bread from other guests, including Jafar.

Other Appearances

Aladdin has made cameos in various Disney productions, including 101 Dalmatians: The Series, Lilo & Stitch, and The Lion King 1½.

Live-Action Appearances

Descendants: The Rise of Red

Aladdin and Jasmine appear with their son, Aziz, at Auradon Prep. They protect him during the Queen of Hearts' coup.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Aladdin has appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, riding the Disney Wish float alongside Jasmine and other Disney characters.

Printed Media

Tales from Agrabah

The chapter book highlights significant moments from Aladdin's early life, from being orphaned to meeting Jasmine. It explores his friendship with Abu and his acts of generosity.

Video Games

Aladdin appears in numerous video games, including:

• Aladdin (SEGA Genesis)
• Disney's Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge
• Kingdom Hearts series
• Kinect: Disneyland Adventures
• Disney Infinity
• Disney Magic Kingdoms
• Disney Heroes: Battle Mode
• Disney Speedstorm
• Disney Dreamlight Valley

Musical

Aladdin is the protagonist of the Broadway musical adaptation, with Adam Jacobs originating the role. The musical features added songs and character developments, such as Aladdin's three human friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim.

Disney Parks

Aladdin appears at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as a meet-able character, often accompanied by Jasmine and Genie. He is featured in various attractions and parades, showcasing his "street rat" and "Prince Ali" outfits.

Relationships

Aladdin shares deep and meaningful relationships with several characters:

• Abu: His loyal monkey sidekick and best friend.
• Princess Jasmine: His love interest, whom he strives to be worthy of.
• Genie: His wish-granting friend, whom he eventually frees from servitude.
• Cassim: His estranged father, whom he reconnects with and ultimately forgives.

Trivia

• "Aladdin" translates to "devout of the faith" in Arabic.
• Whenever Aladdin tells a lie as Prince Ali, the feather on his turban falls.
• Glen Keane was inspired by MC Hammer when designing Aladdin's outfit.