While Tom Cruise is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, few may know that the famous actor also served as the inspiration for one of Disney’s most beloved animated characters, the dashing Prince Aladdin.
Tom Cruise, the charismatic leading man known for blockbusters like the “Mission: Impossible” franchise and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has never collaborated with Disney. However, the animators at the studio apparently noticed his larger-than-life persona and distinctive charm when they were developing the 1992 hit film “Aladdin.”
According to the report, Disney’s team originally used Michael J. Fox as the basis for the street smart yet heroic Aladdin. However, the studio’s then-chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg recommended they shift their focus to Cruise’s performance in “Top Gun” as a better fit for the character.
“Animator Glen Keane noted that the combination of a slightly impish appearance (not intended as a dig at Tom Cruise) and a confident persona made for the perfect fit for the character,” the report states.
The decision proved to be a wise one, as “Aladdin” went on to become a massive success for Disney, surpassing the $1 billion mark globally and cementing its status as one of the studio’s most iconic animated features. Disney credits the film’s success to its timeless story, memorable musical numbers like “A Whole New World,” and the exceptional vocal performances by Scott Weinger as Aladdin and the legendary Robin Williams as the Genie.
While Cruise’s likeness may have been the inspiration for the charming street urchin-turned-prince, the actor’s involvement in the film was limited to his influence on the character design. Weinger ultimately brought Aladdin’s voice and mannerisms to life, infusing the role with his own unique charisma.
This is not the first time Disney has drawn inspiration from real-life actors for its animated characters. The studio has a long history of using voice actors as the basis for visual designs, such as Kathryn Beaumont’s depiction in “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan.” More recently, stars like Dwayne Johnson, Kristen Bell, and Mandy Moore have had their likenesses incorporated into Disney’s beloved characters.
However, the connection between Cruise and Aladdin remains one of the most unexpected and intriguing examples of Disney’s artistic borrowing. Fans of both the actor and the classic Disney film can now appreciate the unexpected link between one of Hollywood’s biggest stars and the iconic animated prince.