[UPDATE 3/12/13 7:53 AM PST] Turns out that the glass slipper didn’t fit Emma after all. According to Empire, Watson has decided not to accept the offer to play the iconic princess for Disney. So, the search continues for the maiden who will fit the part.
Emma Watson, who will forever be remembered for her decade-long role as the beloved Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movie series, might be seen again in a new CGI heavy, live action fantasy. Sources say that the 22 year old is “in talks” to play the lead role in Disney’s upcoming remake of the classic fairytale Cinderella.
The actress isn’t the first big name to be considered for the role; with Imogen Poots, Gabriella Wilde, Alicia Vikander, Saoirse Ronan and even Scarlet Johansson being considered by Disney over the past couple of years.
Apparently the role of the wicked stepmother (Lady Tremaine?) has already been finalized, with Cate Blanchett portraying her.
The film will be directed by Kenneth Branagh (who also played Gilderoy Lockhart in the second Harry Potter film) and will start filming later in 2013, with a potential release date of 2015.
Following the success of films like Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010), Disney and many other studios are going all out to put new twists on well known children’s tales. Think: Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters,Jack The Giant Slayer (read Chelsea’s review here), Oz: The Great and Powerful (releasing later this week) and next year’s epic Maleficent (starring Angelina Jolie and based on Sleeping Beauty).
What are your thoughts on this new trend? Are new twists on well known tales really necessary? Or are studios doing this just for the box office profits?
Also, do you think Emma Watson would make a good Cinderella?