Helena Bonham Carter Is The Fairy Godmother in 'Cinderella'

When it comes to playing quirky, eccentric character, Helena Bonham Carter is one of the best around. But she's also remarkably diverse, able to play a regal queen in The King's Speech and a shabby bottom-feeder in Les Miserables. It sounds like she'll have a chance to show her range yet again as part of Disney's live-action Cinderella.

Carter will wave her magic wand as the Fairy Godmother to the fairy tale princess, portrayed by Lily James. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film also stars Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Richard Madden as Prince Charming, with the cruel stepsisters played by Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera. It sounds as if the Fairy Godmother will have a little more to do in this version, also spending time as an old beggar watching over Cinderella in secret.

I can imagine some fierce scenes between Carter and Blanchett. Hopefully they get the chance to show off a little bit. Filming on Cinderella begins later this year.[THR]