Disney has released a proper trailer for its upcoming live-action update of Cinderella, hitting theaters March 13, 2015. The trailer introduces the classic characters from the French fairytale as interpreted by stars Cate Blanchett (the stepmother), Lily James (Ella), Helena Bonham Carter (Fairy Godmother) and Game of Thrones‘ Richard Madden — as well as creative VFX-fueled magic that transforms pumpkins and critters into royal ball-worthy transportation. Not to mention the fabulous, faceted new design of the classic glass slippers.
The film is directed by Kenneth Branagh from a script by Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass) and also stars Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera as the stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella, Stellan Skarsgard and Derek Jacobi.
Official synopsis: “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.
