After an exhaustive casting search, Disney has finally found their live action Cinderella in the form of Downton Abbey star Lily James, according to Variety. Last November, actresses Saoirse Ronan, Alicia Vikander, and Gabriella Wilde were said to be in contention for the role. Then, in February, Emma Watson was offered the role, although she passed just a few weeks later.
Now the studio has announced, ‘Actress Lily James (Downton Abbey) has been cast as Cinderella in Disney’s upcoming live-action interpretation of the beloved classic tale. The film is being directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh and stars Cate Blanchett as the iconic evil stepmother.
Additional announcements regarding Cinderella are expected in the coming weeks.’
Aline Brosh McKenna and Chris Weitz wrote the screenplay. No specific story details have been released as to the exact take on the classic tale this film will follow.