Cinderella (2015)
- The original script for Cinderella was written over a decade before production finally began in 2015.
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
- Before Lily James was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
Cinderella is a 2015 American romantic fantasy film directed by Kenneth Branagh, a live-action adaptation of Disney's 1950 animated classic. Lily James stars as Ella, a kind-hearted young woman whose world is shattered when her father dies and she is left in the care of her cruel stepmother Lady Tremaine, played by Cate Blanchett, and her two vain stepsisters. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, played by Helena Bonham Carter, Ella attends the royal ball where she meets Kit, the Prince, played by Richard Madden.
Kenneth Branagh's approach was to tell the story straight β no ironic subversion, no modern twist, just a sincere, lavishly produced fairy tale that trusted in the emotional power of kindness, courage, and love. Sandy Powell's Oscar-nominated costume design, particularly Cinderella's iconic blue ball gown, was breathtaking. Cate Blanchett's Lady Tremaine brought psychological complexity to what could have been a one-note villain.
Cinderella earned $543 million worldwide on a $95 million budget.
