Disney has released the first trailer for "Cinderella," a hotly anticipated remake of the beloved fairy tale which is slated for March13, 2015 release.
The trailer gives viewers a first look at Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings) as the wicked and cruel stepmother Lady Tremaine, Helena Bonham Carter (Alice in Wonderland, The King's Speech) as The Fairy Godmother, Downton Abbey's Lily James as Ella (Cinderella), and Game of Thrones star Richard Madden as Kit (the Prince).
Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Hamlet, Thor) Disney promises that their March 2015 release "brings to life the timeless images from the 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation."
While the movie is a take on the classic fairytale written by the Brothers Grimm, the trailer suggests it will deliver a variety of plot twists and slight changes in the characters. One major change that is evident in the trailer is that the Fairy Godmother watches over Ella as the "kindly beggar woman" and at the time, does not reveal her identity. However, when Ella is unable to make it to the ball, the Fairy Godmother makes an entrance and performs magic to ensure she makes it in time to meet her handsome prince.
Prince Charming, or "Kit," first meets Ella when she is riding through the woods, pretending to be a palace employee even though he is actually royalty. Because of his seemingly lowly position, Ella views him as a "kindred soul."
Naturally, when her family receives an invitation to the ball at the palace, Ella expresses eagerness to go and meet her prince once again. Unsurprisingly, her evil stepmother makes it her mission to take possession of the coveted glass slipper and keep Ella away from Kit.
Speaking to Glamour Magazine, Branagh said he recognizes the challenge that comes with bringing everyone favorite fairytale to life.
"Being able to direct Disney's Cinderella in the 21st century means that you're in the driving seat for presenting a myth that has endured across the ages because it connects with human beings at a profound level. We identify with Cinderella, we love her. Cinderella is certainly placed in challenging circumstances, but she chooses not to be the damsel in distress and we see her make strong, positive choices in that regard," he said.
"It is impossible to think of Cinderella without thinking of Disney and the timeless images we've all grown up watching. Those classic moments are irresistible to a filmmaker."
"Cinderella" is set to hit the big screen in 2015.
