DISNEY’S Live Action CINDERELLA First Look!

Walt Disney Pictures announced yesterday that principal photography has officially begun on the CINDERELLA. This will be Disney’s first ever live action movie inspired by the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Starring in this movie is Lily James (Cinderella), Richard Madden (Prince), Academy Award®-winner Cate Blanchett (stepmother Lady Tremaine) and Oscar®-nominee Helena Bonham Carter (the Fairy Godmother). The movie is being directed by Academy Award®-nominee Kenneth Branagh and produced by Simon Kinberg, Allison Shearmur, David Barron. Screenplay by Chris Weitz.

The timeless story of “Cinderella” dates back to 1697 when first created by Charles Perrault, although it truly came to life for millions all over the world in 1950 with Walt Disney’s celebrated animated feature.

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.

With such a star studded cast, beautiful scenery from filming in London, this movie is sure to be a beautiful rendition of the classic story. Cinderella will be released on March 13, 2015.