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Prince Ali, who will he be? Guy Ritchie and Disney still struggling to find the perfect actor for live-action Aladdin

Published: 00:29, 12 July 2017 | Updated: 02:58, 12 July 2017

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Disney is struggling to find an actor to play Aladdin in the film's live action reboot.

The studio and director Guy Ritchie have delayed shooting after auditioning hundreds failed to produce the perfect person to be the street-smart orphan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Apparently the studio is having a tricky time casting a male lead who can act, sing and capture the magic of the character and are committed to the actor being of Middle-Eastern or Indian descent.

Looking for a diamond in the rough: Disney is still looking for the perfect actor to play Aladdin in the film's live action reboot, according to The Hollywood Reporter

It's said the studio was interested in both Dev Patel, 27, and Riz Ahmed but now is looking like the star will most likely be a rookie.

Casting director Randi Hiller enlisted the help of a number of international casting pros to no avail, reportedly auditioning 'Around 2,000 actors and actresses... for the lead roles of Jasmine and Aladdin.'

One agent who represents a client who auditioned described London casting tests 'a mess.'

One Jump... behind: The studio and director Guy Ritchie have delayed shooting after auditioning hundreds. Above Ritchie is seen in April 2017

Rising star? While Disney originally expressed interest in both Dev Patel (left) and Riz Ahmed (right), it's now looking like the star will most likely be a rookie

The production was originally scheduled to start in July, but without a lead principal shooting has now been pushed back to August.

Film critics and fans both publicly worried that the films casting troubles could lead to the story set in the fictional Middle Eastern city of Agrahbah to get a dose of whitewashing.

The film already received pushback when it was leaked that Englishman Tom Hardy was to play the evil sorcerer Jafar.

Leading lady: Without a lead, shooting has been pushed back to August. The studio is also waiting to cast Jasmine, since she and Aladdin's chemistry is essential to the story

Princess material! Naomi Scott (who is of British and Indian descent) and Indian talent Tara Sutaria are reportedly on the short list to play Jasmine. Above Naomi is seen at the Power Rangers premiere in Tokyo earlier this month

Three wishes! Will Smith (above at Cannes in May) is already signed on to play the Genie, who was voiced by Robin Williams in the 1992 classic

Disney is reportedly interested in Naomi Scott (who is of British and Indian descent) or Indian talent Tara Sutaria to play Jasmine, but of course nothing can be decided since the chemistry between Aladdin and Jasmine is essential to the retelling.

Will Smith is already signed on to play the Genie, who was voiced by Robin Williams in the 1992 classic.

While the search has definitely gone on longer than anticipated, Disney has a history a being patient while finding stars for their tent-pole productions.

The studio went through rigorous casting to decide on Lily James as Cinderella and to cast Daisy Ridley in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which raked in a cool $550million and $2.1billion respectively.

Patience is key! Disney has a history taking time to find the leads for their tent-pole productions. The studio went through rigorous casting to decide on Lily James as Cinderella and to cast Daisy Ridley in Star Wars: The Force Awakens