With the blockbuster success that 'Maleficent' enjoyed earlier this year, Disney is eager to release another fairy tale retelling next year. The live action adaptation for 'Cinderella' in 2015 has been slowly building anticipation and excitement from fans of the classic story.
However, while the writers altered the story for 'Maleficent' in a major way, 'Cinderella' will keep the original theme that made Charles Perrault's story such a beloved tale.
"In this new Disney live action Cinderella her mother advises her to have courage and be kind and the message of the picture has that - as if goodness was a super-power," the award-winning actor and director explained to RumorFix.
He added, "This Disney Cinderella will be reliant on finding those magical qualities [courage and kindness] inside [herself]. It is a very positive thought for everybody."
First published in 1697, 'Cendrillon' made such a huge impact to director Kenneth Branagh. He "was so struck" by how everyone could "identify" to the story that he decided to preserve the story's original sentiment for the film.
Since 'Cinderella' is already so well-known, making the audience appreciate the story would be the Disney's main concern. How will Kenneth Branagh sell a classic fairy tale to the viewing public?
Aside from having an Oscar award-winning director at the helm, 'Cinderella' 2015 also has an impressive cast line up.
'Downton Abbey' actress Lily James will be playing the titular character, 'Ella,' while 'Game Of Thrones' star Richard Madden will be her prince charming, 'Kit.'
The film will also star Helena Bonham-Carter as the fairy godmother and Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine. Hayley Atwell and Ben Chaplin will appear as Ella's real parents.
Stellan Skarsgard will play the Grand Duke, while Derek Jacobi will be the King. Nonzo Anosie will be the Captain. Holliday Grainger and Sophie McSherra will be Ella's stepsisters, Anastacia and Drizella respectively.
To make the story more refreshing, Disney will make Ella and Kit meet up in the forest compared to the original version where they only lay eyes on each other at the ball. Ella will befriend the crown prince, mistaking him to be a palace help.
'Cinderella' will hit theaters on March 13, next year.
Do you think 'Cinderella' 2015 will follow the success of Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent?'
