The teaser of Disney’s next live-action drama, Aladdin, is out now and we can’t stop gushing over the handsome Aladdin, played by Mena Massoud. Haven’t watched the teaser yet? Here it is!

The teaser shows Mena Massoud’s character, Aladdin, find Genie’s lamp (Genie will be played Will Smith) in the Cave of Wonders. But, many don’t really know who the 27 years old actor is? Normally a small screen regular, Mena’s jumping onto big screen and limelight, along with big Hollywood names like Will Smith.

Here are 5 things you should know about Mena Massoud who’s playing the titular role in the live-action film, “Aladdin”. 

1)    Aladdin isn’t his only movie coming out in 2019

Mena has the total of three movies coming up in 2019. He’s starring in “Strange But True”, “Warning” and “Reprisal”. Sharing the screen space with A-listers such as Nick Robinson, Lana Condor, Abigail Spencer. He’ll also be playing a political aide alongside Nina Dobrev in a fourth film, "Run The Town", although the release date is TBA.

2)    Mena founded the Vegan Project

It’s called Evolving Vegan, and Mena’s currently touring vegan eateries to profile the “best plant-based establishments, restaurateur and chefs,” as his website states. You can watch Mena’s conversations on the project’s IGTV. Evolving Vegan is gathering recipes and interviews for its upcoming lifestyle book!

3)    Mena wasn’t born in Canada

Mena was born in Cairo, Egypt, but relocated to Markham, Ontario, Canada.

4)    He’s also a part of Tom Clancy’s “Jack Ryan”

Mena plays the role of Tarek Kassar in the original thriller series, released by Amazon on Aug, 31st. But Mena has been a television regular since 2011! His other most recognizable role is Jared Malik in Teen Nick’s Open Heart and he’s also appeared on Nikita and Saving Hope.

5)    Mena’s had difficulty in the past landing roles as a POC

Even after nabbing a number of roles by 2015, Aladdin’s actor admitted that “being a visible minority” still “affects him” to Defective Geeks. “I can’t compete for roles that require me to be Caucasian or African American, even if those characters really connect with me and intrigue me,” Mena said during the interview, conducted in January of 2015. “The competition may be less, some people would say, but the amount of work to be had is less as well. However, I think the industry is growing more and more and starting to support actors of all cultural backgrounds.” 

Well, we can’t wait for Aladdin to hit the theatres anytime soon!