Do you believe in fairy tales? You will after watching the new Cinderella trailer. Even the most cold-hearted (like Cate Blanchett’s wicked step-mother) will melt as they watch Lily James fall blissfully in love with Rob Stark from Game of Thrones, get a magical makeover from Helena Bonham Carter and infuriate her step-family.
What always annoyed me about the animated Cinderella classic was how no one could recognize her without makeup or a fancy gown. Without being 100% sure through the glass slipper test, it was like she was a completely different person. However, director Kenneth Branagh said there will be more modern influences and realistic romance infused in his retelling of the fairy tale. By the looks of the new Cinderella trailer, it’s more about how the prince falls in love with his beloved over time, as opposed to the love at first sight cliche. And he does, in fact, recognize her when she sashays into the ball. Hooray! Another step forward for feminism.
There’s also plenty of new, outrageously beautiful footage to gawk at in the trailer, including a sweet moment when Ella saves an elk from becoming the target of the royal hunting party. Previous looks at the film have dazzled us with magic and glistening scenery, while here the main focus is on the epic romance at the center of this story. Also, in case you were wondering, that song playing over the trailer is Ellie Goulding’s "My Blood." She pulls at our soul every time.
However, there’s another plot change going on here that sees Thor star Stellan Skarsgard as a villain. Playing the Grand Duke, he schemes with Blanchette’s Lady Tremaine to keep her step-daughter out of sight, and the wishes of her and her daughters will be fulfilled in return. As we see Ella proclaiming to her wicked step-mother that she’ll protect the prince no matter what happens to her, we wonder if there’s some sort of secret plot for a political takeover. After all, whoever marries the prince will be the future queen and will have dibs on the throne. What would happen if the prince were killed by said fiancé? Hmm… Just something to think about. We’re speculating here.
Cinderella will hit theaters on March 13 and propel James into the spotlight. Though she’s known for her role on Downton Abbey as Lady Rose MacClare, she has yet to breakthrough to mainstream audiences. Cinderella will no doubt do that and more. Though, she will also follow this up with a role in the highly anticipated movie rendition of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which is based on the spoof novel about how zombies invade the world of Jane Austen’s classic. So remember her name now before she becomes the next big star of the silver screen.
