After screen testing three actresses for the role, Disney and director Kenneth Branagh have decided on their CINDERELLA. Deadline is reporting the lucky princess will be actress Lily James.
James has a very short resume so far with her biggest roles being a small part in WRATH OF THE TITANS and a part on the PBS/ITV hit series DOWNTON ABBEY. James beat competition from Bella Heathcote, Margot Robbie, and at one point Emma Watson. So far, the only other cast member rumored for the project is Cate Blanchett who would play the wicked stepmother.
Kenneth Branagh is currently filming JACK RYAN with Kevin Costner and Chris Pine. It is expected he will begin filming CINDERELLA as soon as that film is complete. Disney is looking to update as many of their classic films to live action as possible, it seems, starting with CINDERELLA and the already filming MALEFICENT starring Angelina Jolie.
CINDERELLA will likely hit theaters sometime in 2014 or 2015.