Disney’s live action version of Cinderella has its leading lady in Downton Abbey actress Lily James.
The Kenneth Branagh directed film had been stuck in neutral over the last few months in trying to find someone to play the titular character.
Initial rumors had Harry Potter alum Emma Watson mentioned most often for the role but she eventually turned it down .
Finally the company has found someone who will effortlessly fit into the magic slipper. The “Mouse House” is apparently taking a rather large turn in taking some of the world’s best loved fairy tales and going live action.
Stories like Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty are also getting the live action treatment within the next few years.
Downton Abbey newcomer Lily James is scoring what could be a breakout hit with the role of Cinderella. The British actress arrived at the Dowidger estate in season three as Lady Rose McClare and will reprising that role in season four.
Lady Rose is a bit of a bad girl, the same way that Lady Mary was at the beginning of season one. It’s expected that her coming of age and mellowing out could be a central theme of the upcoming season.
James had previously made an appearance in a big screen blockbuster in Warner Bros.’ Wrath of the Titans .
This particular picture would be a departure from taking on angry gods and crazy monsters. Instead the budding star will be going tete-a-tete with Cate Blanchett who will be playing the evil step mother.
While the movie doesn’t yet have a release date, having not even gone into production yet, Disney is likely to be anxious to get started.
The idea for the film first started circulating around the company in 2010 after the success of their live action adaptation of Alice in Wonderland .
What do think of Downton Abbey actress Lily James taking on the lead role in Cinderella ?
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