If given the opportunity to live out my wildest dreams before the stroke of midnight, chances are they’d involve Billy Porter as a Fairy Godmother. Luckily, there are no magical glass slippers required for this news: a live-action Cinderella reboot from Sony is heading to theaters. And yes, Porter has confirmed his involvement, granting wishes everywhere. Plus, Missy Elliott, John Mulaney, James Corden, and Romesh Ranganathan have rounded out the cast. Here’s what we know about the latest re-imagining of the classic fairytale, slated for release on February 5, 2021.
Who’s in it?
News of the forthcoming project first broke in April when The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Cinderella as Camila Cabello’s debut acting role. The report indicated that she would not only play the lead role, but “be integrally involved” in the film’s music.
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In early February, Deadline confirmed that casting of four additional roles. The new cast members include Missy Elliott as the Town Crier and Minnie Driver as Queen Beatrice. Plus, Cinderella’s three mice friends/footmen will be played by James Corden, John Mulaney, and Romesh Ranganathan.
THR confirmed on December 11 that Pierce Brosnan (a former James Bond and co-star in Mamma Mia!) would join the film as the King, father to Prince Charming.
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Deadline reported on December 4 that British actor Nicholas Galitzine would play Prince Robert opposite Cabello’s Cinderella. The report stated that after a lengthy search, Galitzine “wowed the filmmakers in many chemistry readings.” He previously appeared in the Netflix series Chambers and will play a role in the upcoming reboot of The Craft.
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In early October, Deadline reported that Idina Menzel would assume the role of Evelyn, Cinderella’s evil stepmother. Menzel is a Tony- and Grammy-winning actress and a Broadway mainstay from shows including Rent and Wicked. She also voiced Elsa, the princess behind Frozen‘s “Let It Go.”
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As for the Fairy Godmother, Porter confirmed his casting during a panel at the 20th New Yorker Festival. His theatrical work onscreen (and on the red carpet) more than qualifies him for the role. In September, he became the first openly gay black man to win the Emmy for best actor in a drama for his work on Pose. Previously, he collected a Tony and Grammy for his role in Broadway’s Kinky Boots.
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Who’s behind the camera?
Those excited for a new take on the Cinderella story have Corden to thank. The idea for the film originated with the late night host and he’ll produce the project, making a Cabello/Porter/Menzel Carpool Karaoke session inevitable. Cinderella will be directed by Pitch Perfect writer and Blockers director Kay Cannon.
Has production begun?
Filming on the project began on February 13, documented by Cannon on Instagram. “Day 1 of shooting down. A gazillion more days to goooooooo! #director #writer #filmmaking,” she captioned a photo of herself next to the director’s chair.
On February 4, Cabello confirmed that she was in London for work on Cinderella.