Disney’s “Cinderella” Returning to Theaters in 2015
Principal Photography began filming the new “Cinderella” movie in London on September 23, 2013. This new adaptation was inspired by the 1950 animated film with the same name and the Grimms’ fairy tale written by Charles Perrault. The analogy of the name “Cinderella” is someone whose attributes are unrecognized or who unexpectedly achieves success or recognition after a time of neglect and/or obscurity.
“Cinderella” is an American romantic fantasy screen written by Chris Weitz and Aline Brosh McKenna, produced by David Barron and Simon Kinberg for Walt Disney Pictures, and directed by Kenneth Branagh. In the original film, Leslie Ann Warren starred as Cinderella but for the remake of this classic, Lily James will take the role.
Additional cast members include Richard Madden (Prince Charming), Cate Blanchett (Lady Tremaine), Helena Bonham Carter (The Fairy Godmother), Holliday Grainger (Anastasia Tremaine), Sophie McShera (Drizella Tremaine), Stellan Skarsgard (The Grand Duke), Nonso Anozie (Captain), Derek Jacobi (The King), Hayley Atwell (Cinderella’s mother), and Ben Chaplin (Cinderella’s father).
With a great storyline and star-studded cast, critics believe the new “Cinderella” movie will be well-received by viewers. The plot follows the good fortunes of Ella whose merchant father remarries after the death of her mother. In trying to show support to her father, she openly welcomes her new stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her two stepdaughters, Anastasia and Drizella.
However, after her father suddenly dies, she is at the mercy of her new family members who are both cruel and jealous. Within a short time, she becomes more a servant than a stepdaughter and stepsister. The only thing that provides her hope is her mother’s words, “have courage and be kind”. In spite of that, Ella begins to lose faith.
When the palace sends a message to all maidens in the town to attend a grand ball in anticipation of finding a suitable wife for Prince Charming, she once again begins to feel hope. However, her stepmother and stepsisters are determined to stop her from going, afraid beautiful Ella will get the Prince’s attention over them. With the help of her unique friends, she makes it to the ball where magic happens.
Following the huge success of Alice in Wonderland, development of the new adaptation of “Cinderella” began. Although Mark Romanek had originally signed on to direct the film, he left in January 2013 citing creative differences. Soon after, Walt Disney Pictures negotiated with Kenneth Branagh, who happily took over the position of director.
Most of the filming took place in London at Pinewood Studios although other European locations were used to include Black Park, Blenheim Palace, Old Royal Naval College, and Windsor College. Post production began in December 2013, which was completed in August. If everything continues to stay on schedule, the new “Cinderella” will premiere on March 13, 2015.
