'Downton Abbey' Star Lily James Takes Up Cinderella's Glass Slipper
by Shannon Keirnan
Though Emma Watson was offered the role of Cinderella in the upcoming live action version of the classic children’s tale, the “Perks of Being a Wallflower” star rejected the film.
More luck for Lily James, who audiences will most likely recognize as Lady Rose from season three of “Downton Abbey!”
24-year-old James will be taking the title role, appearing alongside the perfectly cast Cate Blanchette as the evil stepmother. No word yet on other character casting—who will play Prince Charming??
For those non-“Downton” fans, James has also appeared in British film and television like “Fast Girls,” “Secret Diary Of A Call Girl,” and “Just William,” as well as “Wrath of the Titans.”
The “Cinderella” film, which will be directed by Kenneth Branagh, has been in the works for two years now. It features a script by “Twilight: New Moon” writer Chris Weitz and Aline Brosh McKenna of “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Besides Watson, Disney considered Saoirse Ronan of “Atonement,” Gabriella Wilde of “The Three Musketeers,” and Alicia Vikander of “Anna Karenina” for the role, but none of the actresses were able to take the role due to other commitments. Fourth time is a charm, right?
Fairy tale films are all the rage lately, with Tim Burton’s “Alice and Wonderland,” “Oz: The Great and Powerful,” “Snow White and the Huntsman” as well as the not-yet-released “Maleficent” and live-action “Beauty and the Beast.”
How will “Cinderella” fare against the competition?
The film goes into production this fall, with a release date of 2014.
Who would you like to see cast in the remaining roles of evil stepsisters and, of course, our Prince?