Fairy Godmother in Live-Action ‘Cinderella’ Remake Will Be Genderless
But it's not Disney!
Sony has started filming on its live-action remake of Cinderella, and it’s not going to be like the 1950’s Disney version. Due to release in 2021, details are slowly coming out about this new version, including a change to the Fairy Godmother’s character, which is played by Billy Porter. The new adaptation is “a classic fairytale for a new generation, ” and will be a “genderless” character.
In the original film, the Fairy Godmother is a sweet older white lady with grey hair who helps transform Cinderella our of her torn up dress and into one fit for the Royal ball. Porter is set to play this character in the remake, and they make the magic seem even more magical.
“It hit me when I was on the set last week, how profound it is that I am playing the Fairy Godmother — they call it the Fab G,” Porter said to CBS News. “Magic has no gender.” Porter continued saying, “We are presenting this character as genderless — at least that’s how I’m playing it. And it’s really powerful.”
With several other remakes and versions of the story already out there, this version with subtle but significant changes, such as Porter playing the Fairy Godmother being an openly gay black man who often challenges the lines of gender, is essential.
“I think the new generation is really ready. The kids are ready. It’s the grownups that are slowing stuff down,” he said.
Sony’s Cinderella reportedly started filming last month and was written by James Cordon, who is also producing and starring in the movie. Others in the cast alongside Porter include Camilla Cabello as Cinderella, Pierce Brosnan as the King, and Idena Menzel playing Cinderella’s stepmother.
Cinderella is set to hit theaters in February 2021.
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