Shooting has begun at Pinewood Studios in London on Cinderella, Disney’s first-ever live action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale. Filming will also take place at locations throughout England. It will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in 2015.
Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Thor), the film stars Downton Abbey’s Lily James in the title role and Richard Madden, best known for playing Robb Stark in Game Of Thrones, as the Prince.
Cate Blanchett will play infamous stepmother Lady Tremaine and Helena Bonham Carter will portray the Fairy Godmother. The cast is rounded out by Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera as Ella’s stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella; Stellan Skarsgård and Nonso Anozie as the Arch Grand Duke and the Prince’s loyal friend, the Captain; and veteran British actor Derek Jacobi as the King.
The story of Cinderella dates back to 1697 when first created by Charles Perrault and was re-told as an animated feature in 1950 by Walt Disney.
Branagh said: “It is impossible to think of Cinderella without thinking of Disney and the timeless images we’ve all grown up watching. And those classic moments are irresistible to a filmmaker.
“With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, wit, fun and physical grace. Her Prince is being played by Richard Madden, a young actor with incredible power and charisma. He is funny, smart and sexy and a great match for Cinderella.”
