HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - It’s been over 25 years since Disney released its iconic animated film, Aladdin.

And now in 2019, the film has returned as a live action feature.

This time, however, the cast look and sound different. Disney was intentional with bringing on diverse talent that represent the Middle Eastern and South Asian influence from the original folktale, One Thousand and One Nights.

One such talent is Persian American actor Navid Negahban. Seen in shows like Legion and Homeland, Negahban plays the Sultan in Aladdin, and overcame many trials to reach his current success.

As he walks around the Persian influenced area of Westwood for a bite to eat at Byblos Mediterranean restaurant, he reflects upon his creative journey over a cup of hot mint tea.

“I’m from Mashad, Iran. You travel around the world like a gypsy and you end up here against all the odds and the obstacles in your way then you get an offer to play the Sultan of Agrabah, such an iconic character, it was a joy and a pleasure,” Negahban said.

Negahban plays the conservative father of Princess Jasmine.

The same legendary ballads are heard in the live action feature, including “A Whole New World”.

And it truly is a whole new world when it comes to Hollywood’s decision making with casting diverse talent. The actors in the film represent many cultures including Iran, Egypt, India, Tunisia, and more. A change from the original 1992 animation, which was often critiqued for its lack of authentic representation.

“What’s great about the film is that it gives an opportunity for these characters to be seen as who they are, not as what someone who’s not that familiar with the culture assumes they are,” Negahban explained.

Disney even decided to film on location in the country of Jordan, adding authenticity to the original storyline which, according to Will Smith, who plays The Genie, also helps an actor’s performance.

“What’s really great for actors, when you really go to a place is, your experiencing the space also, so it programs your performance versus trying to shoot it in a desert like Burbank, so the actual travel creates that space,” Smith noted.

As Negahban enjoyed the excitement of the premiere of the film, he says he hopes the message of Aladdin will resonate with everyone.

“I think one of the most important things I would love for them to discover is the hero inside themselves. Each of us, we’re unique. There is something very valuable and special inside of us,” he said.

And according to Negahban, that special thing can only be discovered when you’re brave enough to just be yourself.