by Annie Vischer
We’ve just exploded with Disney excitement. The full-length trailer for Disney’s new ‘real-life-people’ take on Cinderella has landed. Watch out for Helen Bonham-Carter’s fairy godmother, she’s less bibetty-bobetty-boo, more Marilyn.
Cinderella hits UK cinemas on 27th March 2015.
Cinderella.
Disney’s new Cinderella follows young Ella (Lily James), her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera). You know the story. Prince Charming (Richard Madden), or Kit as he is mostly called in the film, and Ella dance their socks off at the ball, after Helena Bonham Carter’s version of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother magics up a ball gown and pumpkin carriage. Oh and in case you’re wondering, yes there are cute mice in this one too.
Kenneth Branagh was tasked with directing the brand new version of the fairytale, and had some words on how he got the job done.
‘I reread the fairy tale when Disney first approached me about the project and was reminded of what an amazingly powerful story it is. It’s a classic piece of storytelling where the central character goes on a journey that we can really identify with, so the texture and landscape of a great story was wonderful to play with as a director….I was excited to have the chance to retell a classic story in a way which would be both appealing and have meaning for modern audiences…’
‘It was extremely difficult to find someone who could be witty and smart, sharp but not cruel, has a twinkle in her eye and who has an inner beauty as well as a physical beauty, but Lily James’ Cinderella encapsulates all of those qualities. You have to root for Cinderella, you have to like her, you have to be on her side, and so an innate likeability was important. Lily brought all that the first time she came into read for the part. She’s a very beautiful girl, and her warmth also allows it to be a very approachable beauty, and somehow we feel that she could be our friend as dazzling as she is.’
‘Being able to direct Disney’s Cinderella in the 21st century means that you’re in the driving seat for presenting a myth that has endured across the ages because it connects with human beings at a profound level. We identify with Cinderella, we love her. Cinderella is certainly placed in challenging circumstances, but she chooses not to be the damsel in distress and we see her make strong, positive choices in that regard.’