Disney creates a new character just to cast a white actor in latest Aladdin film

American production company Walt Disney found itself in hot water this week, following a decision it made to create a new role for a white actor in the upcoming Aladdin film.

Disney introduced a "Prince Anders", to be played by Billy Magnussen, in the Guy Ritchie action remake of the film.

The character did not appear in the original 1992 animated film.

The multinational company has been accused of whitewashing the film, especially after choosing in July to cast non-Arab actor Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine.

Scott - who is of British and Indian heritage - is set to star alongside Will Smith, as Genie, and Egypt-born Mena Massoud, as Aladdin.

Although the film Aladdin is based in the fictional city of Agrabah, it has long been assumed that it is based the Middle East.

Disney has not yet commented on the casting decision, but fans took to Twitter to criticise the move.

What were you expecting?

Just why?