It's Confirmed! Billy Porter Is Playing 'Cinderella's Fairy Godmother

Updated (10/13/2019):

Billy Porter confirmed his casting Saturday during a Q&A at the New Yorker Festival. He will indeed play Cinderella's fairy godmother in the forthcoming remake from Sony.

Original Story:

I decided long ago that the best version of the fairytale Cinderella was the one starring R&B legend Brandy. But if Billy Porter has anything to do with it, that 1997 remake might have some competition.

According to a Hollywood Reporter exclusive, Porter, who recently won the Emmy for outstanding lead actor for his role in FX's Pose, is in talks to join Sony's Cinderella. And in even better news, sources say he'll play the fairy grandmother. I'm stanning already!

Since the original Disney animated film was released in 1950, there have been two live-action renditions: the iconic Rodgers & Hammerstein version and the less iconic version starring Lily James from 2015. Sony Pictures is producing this latest one dubbed as a reimagining of the classic tale about an orphaned girl with an evil stepmother and despicable step-sisters. It was announced earlier this year that multi-platinum pop artist of Fifth Harmony fame, Camila Cabello, will play Cinderella. She'll also, obviously, provide music for the film which will be directed byBlockers' Kay Cannon.

But let's be honest, my ticket purchases will be for Porter who has some big shoes to fill in the memory of legend Whitney Houston who played the fairy godmother in the 1997 film. Exact plot details are unknown as of now, and it isn't yet confirmed that he's officially signed on, but this might be our chance to get him his EGOT! (He has the Emmy for Pose and a Grammy and Tony for Kinky Boots.)

Cinderellais set to open on Feb. 5, 2021. I've already got my popcorn and tambourine ready.

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