'Downton Abbey' Actress Lily James Cast in Disney's 'Cinderella,' Kenneth Branagh Directs Live-Action Adaptation

Lily James, who portrayed Lady Rose McClare in season 3 of "Downton Abbey," was just cast as the lead in the live-action, re-imagination of the iconic Disney classic Cinderella. This role was originally rumored to belong to Emma Watson, but it looks like James has it now. Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, who will portray the evil stepmother to James' Cinderella, joins the relatively unknown 24-year-old actress. Kenneth Branagh will direct the reboot.

Cinderella was first brought up as a project in the wake of the success of the Alice in Wonderland live-action movie starring Johnny Depp and directed by Tim Burton. Mia Wasikowska starred as Alice and has since gone on to numerous leading roles. Perhaps the same fortune will fall on James if Cinderella garners success.

How could it not, though? Cinderella is arguably the most memorable of the Disney princess stories and has yet to be done. There were two live-action Snow White adaptations (of recent years) but this would be the first Cinderella in this age of reboots. Drew Barrymore starred in Ever After, which was based on the story but that was back in 1998.  Fans will surely welcome a fresh face and a new take and we might even see a new generation appreciate the classic story.

Also, having Cate Blanchett as the main antagonist, not to mention one of the most notorious villains in literature, is a pretty huge draw.

Lily James is set to return in the fourth season of "Downton Abbey," most likely with elevated celebrity statues. Producers hope to start production on Cinderella in the fall. There has yet to be any word on who will play Prince Charming, but perhaps the studio will go with another fresh face.

What do you think of Lily James as Cinderella?