#INTERVIEW: LILY JAMES AND SPECIAL GUESTS AT THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF “CINDERELLA”

She certainly was Belle of the Ball! English Actress Lily James gained international recognition as Lady Rose MacClare on Downton Abbey. But who would’ve known soon after she would land the Breakthrough Role of a lifetime, starring in the titular Character in Disney‘s  ambitious live-action Adaptation of Cinderella?

This new Version of the Disney Classic gives us an elevated sense of romance between Ella (James) and her Prince (Richard Madden), heightened Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) – Stepsister (Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger) tension and a glimpse into the unfading optimism of Ella, whom despite adversity still chooses to surround herself with beauty. The tasteful CGI is jaw-dropping and this Kenneth Branagh creation is a total visual delight, never once forgetting the very heart of this beloved Tale.

The Red Carpet was filled with Fans and Media alike, all eager for a chance  to see with James, an absolute vision in white. “I’m wearing Dior“, she tells me about her beautiful dress and clutch.

I ask James about what makes Cinderella so timeless in that it continues to resonate in a big way with Audiences today. She tells me, “I think at the heart of the story is the Underdog.  The Girl that deserves everything but has nothing – but is rewarded.”.  She adds, “You can get behind her and root for her. There’s so much heart to it”.

James tells me also the greatest thing she took away from her experience making Cinderella.  She reveals how humbling it was to work with true Greats like Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter stating, “I learned so much, endless things from Helen and Cate.”  “They’re strong Women – brilliant Actors and brilliant Human Beings.”.  She also reveals that soon again she will collaborate with  Kenneth Branagh, telling us  “Yes, he is going to direct Richard Madden and me in Romeo & Juliet”.  And after seeing this Remake you’ll understand exactly why the Thespian-Helmer is so eager to work with the Duo once again.

Tonight’s Premiere was none short on local star-power. Several Talent walked the Red Carpet in support of this timeless tale including Child Actor Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (The Book of Negroes) who scored a Photo Op with James after handing her a copy of the Book on which her TV Series is based upon, as a gift. Guests also included  Sarah Allen (Remedy), Liz Trinnear (MuchMusic), Jeremy MacPherson (Game of Homes), Genelle Williams (Bitten), Peter Outerbridge (Murdoch Mysteries), Tammy Isbell (Bitten), Tommie-Amber Pirie (Pretend We’re Kissing), Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY) and Sara Lynn Cauchon (The Domestic Geek), among others. The Hosts of CTV’s highly-rated The Social: Traci Melchor, Melissa Grelo, Lainey Lui and Cynthia Loyst, also were among those to grace the Red Carpet and chat with us.

Like the Audience tonight, those who see Cinderella in theatres will be treated with the delightfully-cute Short, Frozen Fever, which sees our favourite Sisters on-screen once again planning a Birthday Bash for Anna, all while Elsa experiences in untimely fashion, a… wait for it… cold.

See our Chats with James, The Hosts of The Social, Liz Trinnear, Sarah Allen and Tomie-Amber Pirie below:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “CINDERELLA” TEASER POSTER AND TRAILER STARRING LILY JAMES

Without giving away too much, here’s your first Teaser and Poster for 2015’s eagerly-awaited Live-Action version of CINDERELLA from Disney.  Here we see a gorgeous computer-animated re-imagining of Cinderella’s famous Crystal Slipper! Enough said.

Official Synopsis:

The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father 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 mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears 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 (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and – armed with a pumpkin and a few mice – changes Cinderella’s life forever.

See the Teaser:

Official Artwork:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: FIRST STILL FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “CINDERELLA”

As announced previously, Disney‘s Live-Action Adaptation of Cinderella was being developed and now production officially is underway in London at Pinewood Studios and various other locations throughout England. The v. first Still from the Film was just released and believe me, it’s Cinderella like we’ve never seen her before!

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, who already has brought the Studio much success with Thor, has nothing but praise for the Film’s two Stars.  “With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, wit, fun and physical grace. Her Prince is being played by Richard Madden, a young actor with incredible power and charisma. He is funny, smart and sexy and a great match for Cinderella“, says Branagh in a Statement.

Cinderella also stars Cate Blanchett (Stepmother Lady Tremaine), Helen Bonham Carter (Fairy Godmother), Sophie McShera (Stepsister Drisella), Holliday Grainger (Stepsister Anastasia) and Stellan Skarsgård (Arch Grand Duke).

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures releases Cinderella on March 13, 2015.

 

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

LILY JAMES CAST IN DISNEY’S “CINDERELLA”

The Slipper fits!  With news of a Live-Action version of the timeless tale being announced recently, Disney  has confirmed that British Actress Lily James gets the coveted Titular Role of Cinderella, the Film to be helmed by Thespian Sir Kenneth Branagh.  A release date for the Film is forthcoming, but so far Cate Blanchett is attached to play the Evil Stepmother, Lady Tremaine.

Although many know her for her work as Lady Rose MacClare in iTV‘s Downton Abbey, James also created an impression on controversial and superb Secret Diary of a Call Girl, playing the role of Poppy for that same Network.  If that doesn’t say range, I don’t know what does.

More news to come soon!

(Photo credit: Marcia Rosengard)