Go Backstage and See Jonathan Freeman Become ALADDIN Villain Jafar, His Evil Alter Ego for 28 Years

[@downtown82]

I love actors who say: 'People are working hard for their money and saving up for a Broadway show'. It tells me it's not just about them but the respect they feel for the audience.

[@samyoungftw]

The best part is that he’s the original Jafar!

[@xgray2012]

Indeed.

[@SecondEvilEx]

0-0

[@jarrodedson5441]

@@SecondEvilEx question for you

[@gillianwilson1330]

Why did they not ask Robin Williams genie

[@samyoungftw]

Gillian Wilson Robin Williams passed away like.. 5 years ago.

[@verakrot]

It's all your fault, Jafar!

[@user-ey4zw7vr6b]

Thank you

[@JSRRADIO]

Hahahha yasss I was looking for this ..... He f*****d a tiger hahah

[@user-ey4zw7vr6b]

@@JSRRADIO That's Achmed but anyway. It's nice to see the community of Starkid fans are everywhere

[@sociallyawkwardperson6713]

Our prince made love to a tiger

[@mehspacedorito]

All hail Achmed, the Tiger Fucker!

[@sallyjonesie3886]

What's so wonderful about this is that the guy keeps going for the right reasons; I thought what he said about it being someone's first show, them saving up or seeking escape was so lovely.

[@Elizannchan]

Sally Jonesie I hope if I ever make it I'll never forget that too!

[@sallyjonesie3886]

@@Elizannchan Great, I'm sure you'll be a wonderful broadway actress!

[@clurkroberts2650]

Wonderful insight and respect for his thoughtfulness to his audience. Great motivation for him. Love the guy for such integrity to his craft

[@esoretal]

i'm one of those people saving up.

[@sallyjonesie3886]

@@esoretal Me too, but I think it might take me 20 years or so to have enough for broadway . . . ! :)

[@GalaxyRoyal]

Congratulations to Jonathan Freeman for staying 8 years on playing Jafar in the Broadway musical and back in 2011 which took place in Seattle after voicing Jafar for decades! He’s a real wizard for reincarnated the iconic villain back to life! 😮

[@Alejandroigarabide]

"Without a good villain you don't really have a good story". Take note, Disney.

[@scoutart1508]

Technically, the ones who should take note are the newcomers

[@joshuarumsey5639]

Prettu sure Disney knows that... lol

[@J4hk2]

@@joshuarumsey5639 Given how they handled Jafar in the live-action version, maybe not.

[@ellentaylor6883]

Thats why I think the surprise villain thing that they have been doing lately kind of sucks. It seem a bit more pretensions if you ask me.

[@ellentaylor6883]

I think this could apply for Age Of Resistance being so terrific because the Skesis are very good antagonists.

[@noahscheibmeir5842]

I still have no idea why they didn’t just get him for the live action movie. Not only is he the original, not only is already playing the character live, but his costume here looks better than the movie’s!

[@heyryanisonx3141]

They would have gotten a lot of backlash for not casting someone of the same race

[@pikppa]

Because, like the original Jafar, he's old and not good-looking. Nowadays, most movies' publicity is done on Internet by fans, especially fangirls who looooooves to fangirl on characters, ship them.... in such a context a character old and unattractive is not good. It's not fanfiction's material. Hence why they casted an uncharismatic bore that screams like an isteric but at least he's young and hot!

[@lavenderbakery4184]

@@pikppa or maybe they didn’t want to cast a white guy as an arab character? jesus man, it’s not that deep

[@witchingbrew3]

The whole cast was of east Asian or Indian descent, aside from the genie. They wanted to leave the spirit of Jafar for both live action and Descendant as well.

[@FreedomKat]

Love what he said about why he does it.. That is an actor that GIVES and doesn't take. Beautiful.

[@jaguar4u2012]

what kind of life would he have if he only gives and never takes?! thats not nice to exploit people

[@FreedomKat]

@@jaguar4u2012 gives in the performance ty.

[@jaguar4u2012]

@@FreedomKat anyhow, he could be so much better in the 2019 Aladdin

[@lucycarlu]

love how he was in the movie! same as the Public Theatre's Hercules where Roger Bart (singing voice of movie Hercules) played Hades in the musical!

[@daniellemusella1594]

@LucyCarluccio Wow. That must've been pretty cool to see. (12/16/2021)

[@manuelorozco7760]

I'm playfully jealous for those who had both opportunities

[@ColleenMcArdle789]

He was awesome when I saw him. Great comedic timing. So impressed he is still doing it after all these years

[@ladykarloff]

Jonathan Freeman has been one of my favorite vocal actors ever since I can remember. Whenever I see him out of makeup, I always say, "That's my Jafar!" I've always been in love with his character ever since I was a little girl, and Jafar is undoubtedly one of the greatest Disney villains out there. He's so wonderful and I wish Jonathan all the best. Without him, there would be no dastardly hilarious vizier! Thank you for being a part of my childhood all these long years! ❤️

[@lillianchristine8106]

This is all your fault Ja’far. This wouldn’t have happened if you fixed the socio-economic inequality like you promised!

[@alixadriennewilliams4568]

Discourse Daisy 😂 good reference good reference

[@ezrathefirstlionkeybladema4229]

daisy you should what my uncle looks on broadway his name is Scar no i'm not simba he's my brother my biological brother to be precise

[@krystelybz]

Love the reason behind what keeps him going! There's always somebody among the audience who hasn't seen a broadway show, who really saved up just to see the show, etc. For someone who lives on the other side of the world (who thinks that getting to witness this is such a pipe dream), his words gave me comfort! It feels like my dreams are just waiting around the corner 😊

[@ItalianPokeMage]

For a sec, I thought this was for Twisted. Then I saw the word Disney. Whoops

[@aristidetwain9117]

Oh my god, I would kill to see Jonathan Freeman starring in Twisted.

[@ItalianPokeMage]

@@aristidetwain9117 I'd be impressed if any cast could manage to trash talk Jafar when the actor playing him is the original Jafar.

[@wanupgirl]

Ioh my goodness!! You beat me to it. I just commented about twisted

[@ambivalo82]

At this point, he needs to be awarded the Disney Legend title. He's just awesome.

[@asnyc]

Wow to think that he does this eight times a week! He is really remarkable in this role - but then he created it in the 1992 animated movie, so he's the real thing! It's amazing to see the effort and time that goes into making the show that the audience sees! Thank you for showing this.

[@notcarlie1710]

Even when he's talking about something so nice, his voice sounds so sinister

[@jennikifm2]

XD

[@rainyday6512]

“There’s someone in the audience that has never been to a broadway show before” That was me when I saw this, it was my first broadway show, thank you ❤️😁

[@joeywerts7423]

It was my first broadway show too

[@QueenTJ1991]

I have always wanted to meet Jonathan Freeman. He made one of my favorite Disney Villains so wickedly iconic! Jonathan is such an incredible and amazing actor.

[@manuelorozco7760]

As someone who never been to New York, I am bitterly jealous for those who saw Freeman Reprise this iconic villain on stage! Pretty surreal indeed

[@jswatch9270]

I wish he would do it in Los Angeles at the pantages theater in Hollywood

[@manuelorozco7760]

J's Watch The show was there two years ago

[@drsunshine1959]

Damn, you're good looking.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@drsunshine1959 Thank you

[@ryoku79]

Freeman looks better then the live action Jafar from Aladdin

[@diromiz]

The only thing I'll ever regret in life is not having gone to see the ORIGINAL voice actor of Jafar act it out on stage. I love this man so much.

[@And.Phoebe]

Omg! That’s amazing how he was the original Jafar!

[@kacypolk7497]

Aladdins, Jasmines, and Genies will come and go, but there is only ONE Jafar, and it’s Jonathan Freeman!

[@tannerschannel1809]

Apparently he’s been with the Broadway company playing the role for the past 5 years since it opened

[@tannerschannel1809]

That’s just awesome!

[@FunGal1691]

If you mean Genie as in Broadway Genie then yeah, you're right.

[@sassianne11]

what about dylan saunders from twisted....

[@mehspacedorito]

sassianne11 agreeagreeagree

[@dbez9163]

Just saw the show on Broadway, only to realize that it was his last performance of the role. Glad to have seen the original Jafar

[@careymiller244]

I knew Jonathan way back when. We were in the Heights Youth Theatre together in Cleveland, OH. I have wonderful memories of being in all the shows. We had so much fun. It's so nice to see how far Jonathan has gone. Break a leg......

[@josephmielke575]

Was as nice as he as he seems in the video? If yes, that’s a real honor!

[@kimtaylor762]

He’s still Jafar on broadway... holy wow! It’s only more amazing that he was the original voice of Jafar and he is pretty much living his dream

[@z-voices263]

I remember when I saw this show in 2016. I got so many chills when he started talking and I said “oh my god that’s the actual Jafar.”

[@wanupgirl]

If he sees this he needs to check out Twisted by team starkid. It's all about jafar. It's a re telling of Aladdin from the point of view of jafar.

[@Quirderph]

Didn't he already do voice work for the trailer? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJisf5mtdr-Bd7s

[@clari09]

Thank you so much for staying after all this time ♥️

[@andrewfutterman3346]

When I was 9 I dressed up as Jafar for Halloween. I made the costume myself (mostly; my mom helped me). The snake staff was a long cardboard tube (the type of thing you'd use as a container for a large map) with the snake head glued on. It served as the container in which I carried the candy I got while Trick or Treating. The costume was a big hit with everyone whose house I went to, and I got a LOT of candy that year. I was amazed at how much candy that staff/tube could hold! By the time I got home, the staff was quite heavy, and difficult for me to carry, lol! 🤣

[@PhoenixPrime]

This made my inner child SO HAPPY!!!!

[@cryingcat3052]

I just saw the touring show of the Broadway production and it was phenomenal. Of course, Freeman is stationed in New York only, but I will say the guy who played the touring Jafar was astounding (as was the whole cast). Having seen all of the Disney Broadway productions (with the exception of Frozen) I have to say Aladdin was by far the best!

[@manuelorozco7760]

crying cat The best in my book has to go to Newsies

[@jennikifm2]

He also voiced Jafar in the Return of Jafar and in the Kingdom Hearts games and in the House of Mouse series! ^^ Love this dude!

[@irvyne6111]

I was thrilled to see Mr. Freeman on stage back in New Year's Eve 2014-15. He was excellent. As soon as you hear that voice, you're like, oh yeah, that's definitely Jafar! Impressive that he's still in the role after all these years!

[@lisaho342]

What the real original Jafar on Broadway well that is just amazing.

[@SmithMrCorona]

I love the animated movie. All of the voice work is great, but Freeman was the stand out. Of course Robin Williams was perfect, and I love, love, love Gilbert as Iago. But Freeman as Jafar is just so damned perfect.

[@jonathanbaileyartanimation2992]

Aladdin is my favorite Disney film and Disney Musical of all time and Jafar is my favorite Disney villain of all time. When I saw Jonathan freeman as Jafar on Broadway, it’s like he was re-enacting my entire childhood right before my very eyes! He’s incredible as Jafar.

[@ellie-maybrown6430]

I love Johnathan Freeman soooo much wanna see him play jarfar live so bad but I live in the uk and Aladdin recently closed on the west end. I was lucky to go to New York in 2017 we saw Aladdin and Johnathan wasn’t in the show but the understudy was great. But would still love to see the original jafar live one day

[@butterkreamkat]

This was SO good! I loved seeing the behind the scenes, and it was exciting to see the transformation! Thank you!

[@spiderfingers86]

Jafar is without a doubt the best Disney villain

[@manuelorozco7760]

To me the best villains are Snow White and Cinderella’s Stepmothers, King Candy and Callaghan

[@patrioticjustice9040]

Better Jafar than the one in the live action Aladdin.

[@CALJ154]

...By far!!

[@elisat9661]

Yeah! I agree Jonathan Freeman is just like Jafar instead of Aladdin live action!

[@manuelaguiar8753]

@@elisat9661 I blame guy Richie is if my father was director I will hire Jonathan back as Jafar

[@manuelaguiar8753]

@@elisat9661 if my father was director I will help my father hire Jonathan Freeman back as Jafar

[@Z-A-C]

He should’ve been in the remake, I know he’s a little too old for the part, but they could’ve used a little cgi to make him look younger.

[@futuremovieactor]

Patrick Stewart wanted to play him in the remake since he regretted turning down Jafar years and years ago.

[@Alejandroigarabide]

The politically correct call that whitewashing. We fans call it "perfect casting".

[@Z-A-C]

Ale Igarabide How the F*** is that white washing when he played the OG jafar to begin with?

[@Alejandroigarabide]

@@Z-A-C I agree with you, but the pollitically correct people are morons! They would accuse him of whitewashing just because he isn't arab or something.

[@Z-A-C]

Ale Igarabide Even if that was a real problem, they could just use cgi or makeup to make him look Arabic

[@ltanner240]

the fact that he’s 70 is crazy to me

[@MaxxManzi]

He always wanted to play a Disney villain and he became 1 of the most popular Disney villains

[@Bruh-bc5ss]

Oh my god oh Jesus Christ that thumbnail scared the crap out of me It looked like some terrifying asmr roleplay

[@afraanimation]

Can't believe Twisted is finally going to Broadway

[@Thelodis]

Jonathan Freeman: "The law says that if a proper actor for the villain can't be found for the Broadway musical the role will be played by the voice actor from the movie" The sultan: "But you're so old"

[@MaeveFitz1983]

Underrated comment 😂👏🏼

[@MagicalRides]

he is so a wonderful and gentle person. I wish i could meet him

[@xgray2012]

Beautiful!!!!

[@Namjooningance]

Finally you release a character study of my fav

[@moonbunny3467]

It's a shame he couldn't play Jafar in the live action. You couldn't get any better!!

[@laurengarcia3838]

I really want to see him on Broadway before whenever he leaves....unless....Aladdin comes to the Pantages and he happens to be there for guest appearances 😁😁😁

[@jackiescheufler9964]

I absolutely LOVE this!! Jafar is and always will be my favorite Disney villain - lets be honest, probably my favorite Disney character.

[@jennikifm2]

I do too!!! And he’s one of my favorite Disney villains. ^_^

[@sunnygirl523]

OMG THIS IS MY FAVORITE DISNEY VILLAIN EVER AND ITS GREAT THAT JOHNATHAN FREEMAN IS PLAYING HIM AGAIN 😍😍😍😍

[@picchumaya]

The. Best. Jafari. Ever!!!!

[@cneale9431]

"This is not called Aladdin, it's called Jafar. It's about a megalomaniac who wants to... take over the world." I love this approach to character work: every character should be treated as the main character because they are the main character in another story

[@Mr05241948]

Must be fun to play a part such as this

[@A_C_E_13]

I stan actors that adore their characters ❤️

[@niahart8028]

I love him it’s a shame he didn’t return for the remake he was phenomenal as Jafar he can’t be replaced!

[@CALJ154]

"It's mine. It's all mine!"

[@TheLostWorldFanChann]

God, I love this man!

[@horribleboo]

I remember seeing him on Broadway!

[@Trainman16]

Jonathan Freeman is still the man! Whether he voices Jafar or plays him on broadway!

[@tww2002]

Definitely has the look and the voice. Great stuff.

[@epache315]

Dr.Facilier Jafar and Judge Frollo wearing Red Black and Purple Clothing ❤️🖤💜

[@jena6587]

The pride of Bay Village, Ohio! ❤️❤️

[@danielchipman8967]

Not only was Jonathan Freeman the original Jafar, but so far he's been the ONLY Jafar on Broadway, correct? A six year run? Wow!

[@manuelorozco7760]

Daniel Chipman I know right. I’m playfully jealous

[@manuelaguiar8753]

@@manuelorozco7760 Jonathan Freeman wants me to play Aladdin but I can't And he said trust me you are ready

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@manuelaguiar8753 What?

[@Satanna.avemaria]

I like this Jafar better than live action Jafar ❤️💖🌸 I recently watched Aladdin in uk Birmingham and this Jafar topped all Jafars. I know mine would have been a different actor but this version is spot on ❤️

[@tonygoodwinjr9293]

This would be a dream come true. He gets to be Jafar in the animated Aladdin AND live on stage!? Legend

[@Niqhtmusic]

The thumbnail officially freaked me outttt

[@christinemartin5095]

Oh, God, how I LOVE this man!

[@POPZ1KLE]

Im kinda shocked he also voiced the original jafar aswell.

[@sassianne11]

He should watch twisted...

[@hollisrut.8759]

Not sure if I prefer Dylan or Jonathan, very different interpretations of the role lol.

[@schemer1991]

Jonathan freeman also played Tito from shining time station and jafar from Aladdin

[@priestmike]

I love this man's personality! nice work spirit....

[@PancakeGabi]

He's so awesome. It's a dream of mine to go see him as Jafar in the broadway show. 😍

[@Mari741s]

Now I wanna see ALADDIN on Broadway even more!

[@dansbigadventures]

What a great video.

[@claudiagimenez1103]

i'm OBSESSED

[@jenniejohnson6660]

I saw you as Jafar when I went to see Aladdin the musical in the summer of 2018

[@sbotel18]

I went to see Aladdin on Broadway in New York in 2017 and was so excited to see Johnathan Freeman as Jafar but unfortunately I went to the Sunday Matinee and they had his understudy fill in 😞 Still an amazing show and an amazing Jafar but oh how I wish I could’ve seen Johnathan!

[@brucewayneissupermanquinn601]

He seems like such a neat dude!!

[@WillScarlet16]

"Nobody could play him like you!" "Nobody's going to."

[@witchingbrew3]

The other sketch of an alternative Jafar is cool because that's how he looks in the Descendants movie series

[@leejones8582]

he has a great voice for jafar

[@jenniejohnson6660]

You are awesome as Jafar and I have Jafar's dolls. I give you lots of stars for playing Jafar

[@JessGottDisney]

Amazing

[@epache315]

Jonathan Freeman As Jafar In Disney's Aladdin On Broadway Voicing Jafar In The Movie Jafar He's One of The Disney Villains That I Know

[@Theaterkidhormii]

I respect him a lot!!!

[@CrispyA113]

Wow that’s incredible and you didn’t have to use cgi for this and It’s crazy too back in the day they would use a live action reference and draw characters frame by frame 2d animation

[@jswatch9270]

Jonathan Freeman is the best and always be jafar

[@katielawrence5420]

I love Jonathan Freeman.

[@epache315]

Judge Frollo:Dr.Facilier Welcome to Our Family Dr.Facilier:Indeed I Am Jafar:Dr.Facilier You're One of Us

[@Wikawald]

Coolest Jafar ever, amazing voice and grace ❤️ What's wrong with Disney now? Why he is not in a film?

[@epache315]

Happy 30th Anniversary Of Disney's Aladdin

[@carsonisawesome6423]

OMG I met him when I visited New York!

[@josephmielke575]

Was he nice to you?

[@carsonisawesome6423]

@@josephmielke575 We didn't really meet one on one. I was there for a school band trip and he and other cast members greeted us as we left the show one night. But they were all nice guys who did a nice job

[@WizardOfHumor1989]

“YOOOOUU ARE LATE!!!!”

[@sadiemeltzer3285]

1000 apologies o patient one

[@foxhound13]

I am curious if he ever seen star-kid production Twisted?

[@theevanbarrett]

What’s the song at 2:16