Disney has launched a strategy where they are taking their classic animated films from decades ago and reimagining them in live-action, for the modern audience. The trend began with Alice in Wonderland, which grossed over one billion dollars at the worldwide box-office and Maleficent was a huge hit at the beginning of the summer for the studio. So we can expect to see their entire library on the screen in the years to come. The Jungle Book will be in theaters next year and an adaptation of Dumbo is in the works as well. The strategy makes sense because it’s a multi-generational attraction, that families can enjoy together.
The next Disney animated adaptation is Cinderella and her debut is right around the corner. Kenneth Branagh is directing the new retelling of the classic story and it looks like he is sticking to the script and not adding extra flair to make it darker or moodier. The movie stars Lily James as Cinderella, Cate Blanchett as the evil Stepmother, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, so we should expect some great performances as well. Into the Woods was a huge success this winter, so there is clearly an eager fanbase for live-action fairy tales. If that is your thing…enjoy the trailer.
Official Synopsis:
The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming “Kit.” Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.
Cinderella opens March 13th, 2015.
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Source: CBM, Disney