Emma Watson in talks to star in 'Cinderella' live-action film, report says

Emma Watson's next role might involve a glass slipper.

The 22-year-old former "Harry Potter" actress is reportedly in early talks to star in a live-action adaptation of "Cinderella" that is set to be directed by "Thor" director Kenneth Branagh, according to Variety. Cate Blanchett will reportedly play the villain, Cinderella's evil stepmother.

The "Cinderella" film is being developed by Disney and the studio is reportedly aiming for a 2014 release date, the industry entertainment outlet reports.

The character is just the latest fairy tale princess to get a live-action film in recent years. Universal Pictures updated Snow White with Kristen Stewart in "Snow White and the Huntsman" and Disney is gearing up for the July 2014 release of "Maleficent," which stars Angelina Jolie in the title role as the villain from "Sleeping Beauty."

Disney has also revived classic fictional stories with Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" and the upcoming film "Oz: The Great and Powerful," based on "The Wizard of Oz."

Branagh, a five-time Oscar nominated actor/director who is known for his work in film adaptations of Shakespeare's most famous plays, recently helmed the Marvel action film "Thor" and is currently shooting the thriller "Jack Ryan."

The story of Cinderella has been portrayed on film and television numerous times over the years. More recently, there was the 1997 made-for-TV movie "Cinderella," which starred Brandy Norwood in the title role and Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother. Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray also starred in the 2004 film "A Cinderella Story," a modern adaptation of the fairy tale.

The character appeared in the film "Shrek the Third" and was voice by Amy Sedaris. Actress Jessy Schram played Cinderella on two episodes of "Once Upon A Time." "Saturday Night Live" alum Kristen Wiig parodied Cinderella in! the "The! Real Housewives of Disney" skit that aired during Lindsay Lohan's episode in March 2012.

Watson has a few projects lined-up including the Seth Rogen comedy "This Is the End" and the Darren Aronofsky-directed drama "Noah" with Russell Crowe.

She will next be seen in the upcoming film "The Bling Ring," which is due out on June 14. The movie is based on the true story of a group of celebrity-obsessed teens who broke into the homes of several stars such as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.

Watson plays a burglar named Nicki, which is not the name of any of the real-life suspects, but is allegedly based on one of the burglars. The film is directed by Sofia Coppola.

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