So, you know how Disney has had great success in doing live-action retellings of iconic stories (Alice In Wonderland, Oz The Great And Powerful)? You know how no one seemed to like those two films, yet they made massive amounts of money worldwide? Well, they will carry on the tradition. Disney plans to begin filming a live-action version of Cinderella with director Kenneth Branagh at the helm. And now we have a shortlist of actresses being considered for the title role.
While rumors have circulated about both Emma Watson and Amanda Seyfried taking on the part of the dust-laden princess, the current shortlist is a bit less well-known: Bella Heathcoat, Lily James and Margot Robbie are all being considered.
Yeah, I never heard of them either. Heathcoate appeared in Dark Shadows, Lily James was in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and Downton Abbey, and Robbie has a part in Scorsese’s upcoming The Wolf Of Wall Street. But the point here seems to be just that: these are lesser known actresses looking to make a big break, and what could be bigger than a Disney movie? It worked for Mia Wasikowska in Alice In Wonderland, didn’t it? They also do not bring a lot of baggage – monetary and otherwise – to the part; for whoever plays Cinderella, it will be a break-out role.
The part of the Prince remains as elusive as a second glass slipper, with only one name being bandied about so far: Richard Madden. That’s Robb Stark on Game Of Thrones. I can definitely see him as a Prince Charming, can’t you?
So far the only announced casting choice for Cinderella belongs to Cate Blanchett, who will be playing the evil stepmother. Interesting choice. I guess we’ll get some more of ‘dark and angry’ Galadriel, then.
Cinderella has plans to begin shooting later this year, so we should hear more about casting before long.
Who do you think is suited to wear the glass slippers? Any of the above, or would another actress make better sense? Let us know in the comments.