How Mena Massoud Went From Aladdin Star to Vegan Advocate and Producer

After the 2019 Disney live-action remake of “Aladdin,” in which Mena Massoud starred as the lead alongside Will Smith and Naomi Scott, the Egyptian-Canadian actor struggled to land auditions despite the film grossing over $1 billion worldwide. Fast forward to today, Massoud, 31, has come to terms with the challenges of Hollywood and is now focusing on passion projects that align with his values, including hosting and executive producing CTV’s vegan travelogue show “Evolving Vegan.”

Based on Massoud’s 2020 book of the same name, “Evolving Vegan” is a six-part series that takes viewers on a journey through the thriving vegan food scenes in Los Angeles, Mexico City, Austin, Vancouver, Portland, and Toronto. Massoud’s goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle without pushing or shaming others’ dietary choices.

Massoud began his plant-based journey in 2015 after learning about the effects of animal products on health and the environment. He hopes to educate others about the rapidly growing vegan lifestyle without being preachy, as he believes every culture has its own vegan elements. For example, he cites Egypt’s falafel, a vegan dish that is not necessarily considered “vegan” by the locals.

The “Evolving Vegan” show, an extension of Massoud’s company founded in 2018, features chefs from diverse cultural backgrounds. Massoud emphasizes the importance of a multicultural lens in all his endeavors, including his production company, Press Play Productions. In partnership with Bell Media Studios, Press Play Productions has produced projects like a Farsi language adaptation of a Stephen King short story, “The Last King.”

In addition to his work on “Evolving Vegan,” Massoud’s acting career has gained momentum, with leading roles in the 2022 Netflix rom-com “The Royal Treatment” and the boxing drama “Giant,” where he will portray British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed. The film will be produced by Sylvester Stallone and Braden Aftergood.

Massoud’s journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance, growth, and personal evolution. Just like the title of his series suggests, he continues to evolve and adapt in both his career and personal life.

As you follow Massoud’s inspiring story, consider how you can also incorporate sustainable choices into your own life. Whether it’s exploring plant-based diets, supporting eco-friendly businesses, or advocating for environmental causes, every action counts. So, take a cue from Mena Massoud and embrace your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Don’t forget that every step forward, no matter how small, makes a difference in creating a greener and healthier world for all.

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