Lily James Page 3

It's been just over two months since 'Downton Abbey' ended for UK viewers, while the US still has the sixth and final series to complete. So what have all the main cast members been up to and where are we going to see them next? Some are sticking to the UK, but others are broadening their horizons.

But what's Maggie Smith up to?

Many of the 'Downton Abbey' stars were already well-established in their own right, but for others the show has been a stepping stone to bigger things. Hugh Bonneville is of the former category, and he's looking pretty busy this year what with the new 'Hollow Crown' series coming up in which he stars as the Duke of Gloucester. He's also finished filming the UK/Indian drama 'Viceroy's House' with Michael Gambon and Gillian Anderson.

Continue reading: What's Next For The Stars Of 'Downton Abbey'?

Neill Blomkamp's new film Chappie held its world premiere this week in New York, just a day before before it opened around the world. Blomkamp (who previously made District 9 and Elysium) was present along with stars Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Sharlto Copley and Dev Patel.

Photos - World film premiere of 'Chappie' at AMC Loews Lincoln Square - NYC

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Chappie And Cinderella Premiere In New York And L.A., Ethan Hawke Is Snapped On-Set, And New Trailers Arrive For Movies Starring Veterans Ian Mckellen, Ben Kingsley And Maggie Smith.

Richard Madden opens up about just how Cinderella and her Prince Charming get together, and how they rely on each other to free them from the restrictions in their lives in the forthcoming adaptation by director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz.

Richard Madden stars as Prince Charming in Cinderella

It's nice to see modern big screen fairytale re-tellings looking at relationships in a much more equal way. Rather than princesses of late being swept of their feet by proverbial knights in shining armour, they're coming together while fighting for justice in their own lives. You had 'Snow White and the Huntsman', which saw a clear romance forming between the two title characters as they worked together to lead an army, and then there is, of course, 'Frozen' which saw bravery on the part of both Anna and her faithful quest companion Kristoff. Now 'Cinderella' brings together two souls, who must help each other escape the prison of their families.

Continue reading: Richard Madden Opens Up About Cinderella And Prince Charming's Equal Partnership

Cate Blanchett talks about her exploration of the female superhero within Cinderella, ahead of the March 2015 release of Kenneth Branagh's vibrant re-telling of the Disney fairytale in which she stars as the title character's terribly wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine.

Cate Blanchett is the wicked Lady Tremaine in Cinderella

Everyone loves a good fairytale; a timeless classic that will never cease to have meaning in a person's life no matter how old they get. Nowadays, they're providing much needed relief from male role models in cinema, with numerous feisty heroines that we already all know and love taken over the screen, from Kristen Stewart's vision of Snow White in 'Snow White And The Huntsman' to Angelina Jolie's misunderstood character in 'Maleficent' - not to mention the more original arrivals of Elsa and Anna in 'Frozen'.

Continue reading: 'Cinderella' Villain Cate Blanchett Says Big Screen Fairytales Are Bringing Heroines To The Fore

Fairytales have certainly been going through a bit of a rebirth as of late, thanks to films like Maleficent, so logically next in line for the 21st century treatment was Cinderella, who has just been brought back to life on the big screen by a Shakespearian actor. Yes Kenneth Branagh has gone behind the camera to breathe new life into the classic tale, which first got the Disney treatment in 1950. But is this Cinderella really much different?

Lily James meets her Prince in Cinderella

Starring ‘Downton Abbey’s’ Lily James (that’s Lady Rose) as the titular princess and Cate Blanchett as her very wicked stepmother, Cinderella’s impressive cast list also includes Helena Bonham-Carter as the Fairy Godmother and Richard Madden as Prince Charming.

Continue reading: Kenneth Branagh's 'Cinderella' Premieres At Berlinale Film Festival, But What Did The Critics Think Of The Re-booted Fairytale?

There's been astronomical success in modern fairytale reboots recently, with 'Cinderella' being the next to be released starring Lily James from 'Downton Abbey'. However, according to her, this movie presents a lot more modern themes than you might think.

Lily James and Richard Madden star in 'Cinderella'

'Cinderella' seems to have become a particular favourite in recent months, with the exceptionally well-received Broadway show having recently played and not to mention the story's appearance in Rob Marshall's cinematic adaptation of Stephen Sondheim musical 'Into The Woods'. The forthcoming new movie directed by Kenneth Branagh is a live action rendition of the Oscar nominated 1950 Disney animation, with all the vibrancy and magic multiplied tenfold. 

Continue reading: Lily James Admits Cinderella Is Not 'Swept Off Her Feet' In Live Action Re-Boot

What better way to encourage cinema-goers to see the forthcoming live-action 'Cinderella' movie, than the promise of more 'Frozen'? Disney announces short film 'Frozen Fever' to precede the film when it hits movie theaters on March 13th 2015.

'Frozen Fever' set to screen before 'Cinderella'

Hollywood is going fairytale mad this year, what with 'Frozen' becoming such an enormous worldwide hit and several adaptations making waves in the media such as 'Maleficent' and the forthcoming 'Into The Woods'. 'Cinderella', starring Lily James, Helena Bonham Carter and Cate Blanchett, is the next big thing for film folklore, but it seems people are still stuck on the Oscar winning animation featuring Anna, Elsa and friends.

Continue reading: 'Frozen Fever' Short To Screen Before Disney's 'Cinderella' In March 2015

‘Downton Abbey’ will be back on our screens this festive season with a two hour Christmas special which will see the Crawley family travelling to Northumberland for a 'grouse shooting' party. The episode promises to deliver some festive high drama as a "scandalous secret" is uncovered and "drastic measures" are taken.

What will the Countess say? This year's 'Downton Abbey' Christmas special will feature the Crawley's grouse shooting

Set in the early fall of 1924, The Crawleys will be the special guests of Lord and Lady Sinderby, the parent’s of Rose’s husband Atticus Aldridge, at their home of Brancaster Castle for the opening of the grouse shooting season.

Continue reading: A Spot Of Festive Grouse Shooting? It Must Be The 'Downton Abbey' Christmas Special!

Robb Stark has been resurrected! But, alas Game Of Thrones fans, not in the capacity that you may have all been hoping. Instead, the Scottish actor, Richard Madden, who played the GOT character from 2011 - 2013, has popped up in a different fantasy ... this time as Prince Charming in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Cinderella.

Richard Madden plays a convincing Prince Charming in Cinderella

Madden’s Prince stars opposite Lily James’ titular heroine as shown in the recent release of Disney’s Cinderella trailer.

Continue reading: Game Of Thrones Star Richard Madden Takes A Turn In Disney's Cinematic Cinderella

Finally, Disney has unveiled the first full trailer for Kenneth Branagh's live action rendition of one of the world's most beloved fairytales: Cinderella. And it looks to be one of the most visually stunning fantasy flicks of the coming months.

Lily James stars as the troubled Cinderella

The movie industry has been going crazy with its throwback Grimm adaptations, and it doesn't look like anyone's had enough of it yet. While many movies have opted for the spin-off, original stories - such as 'Sleeping Beauty' adaptation 'Maleficent' and 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves' comeback 'Snow White and the Huntsman', not to mention forthcoming fairytale omnibus 'Into The Woods' - director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriters Aline Brosh McKenna and Chris Weitz have gone for the more traditional approach with 'Cinderella'. 

Continue reading: Lily James Finds Her Prince Charming In The Latest 'Cinderella' Trailer [Trailer + Pictures]

Former Doctor Who Matt Smith has signed on to star alongside Lily James, Sam Riley and Jack Huston in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, the adaptation of the Seth Grahame-Smith novel.

Matt Smith has signed on to star in 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'

The project has been in development for years and will finally go into production on September 24. A comedy-horror spin-off of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice, Zombies stars Liz Bennett (James) who is pressurised by her family to marry into a wealth home but rebels against the social requirements of Victorian England. Instead, she sets out to help defend the English countryside against a plague of horrifying zombies.

Continue reading: Matt Smith Signs On For 'Pride And Prejudice And Zombies'

The stars of both Godzilla and X-men: Days of Future Past turned out for a pair of big premieres over the past week. Godzilla, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen and Bryan Cranston, had its world premiere in Los Angeles, while X-men: Days of Future Past, starring Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, bowed in New York. Then both casts travelled to London for European premieres a few days later. Check out our 'Godzilla' Premiere at Dolby Theatre - Arrivals photos, watch the video of Hugh Jackman sporting a bandaged nose At 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' World Premiere or watch the video of James Mcavoy and Patrick Stewart re-uniting at the 'X-men: Days Of Future Past' World Premiere.

But there was an even bigger film event this week in France, as the Cannes Film Festival kicked off with Nicole Kidman's new movie Grace of Monaco. The film received savage reviews from the critics, but Kidman brought real glamour to opening night. And the critics had far more praise for Mike Leigh's new film Mr. Turner, which stars Timothy Spall. Browse photos from the 67th Cannes Film Festival - Grace de Monaco - Photocall the 'Mr Turner' - Photocall or watch the trailer for Mike Leigh's Mr Turner.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Double Premieres For Godzilla And X-Men, Cannes Kicks Off, Bradley Cooper Films In L.A., And New Trailers For Robert Pattinson, Chris Evans And Sam Claflin

Cannes Panning: We'd love to say we were starting the round-up on a high with the Cannes Film Festival but unfortunately for new royal biopic Grace of Monaco, there is no good news to be found. The Nicole Kidman-starring true story dramatization has been almost universally crushed by Cannes critics who found the acting wooden, the script trite and the entire picture worse than the much-slated Diana pic. You can watch the trailer here though - it's worth it for the beautiful costumes and idyllic tax-haven setting.

Baldwin Busted: Alec Baldwin should probably sneak off to some meditation resort in the mountains for the next few months until this latest debacle blows over. The hot-headed actor and TV host, who is known for his many altercations with paps, had a run-in with police this week when he was caught riding his bicycle the wrong way down a busy New York street and flew into a rage when the cops asked to see his ID. It didn't end well for the 30 Rock star: read about all the drama here.

Continue reading: A Week In News: Batman Revealed, Baldwin Busted, An Elevator Bust-Up

Disney has revealed the first teaser trailer for the upcoming live action reimagining of the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Starring Lily James in the titular role, Cinderella is set for release in April 2015 and will also feature Cate Blanchett, Hayley Atwell, Helena Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgard, and Richard Madden.

A New Teaser Trailer Heralds Disney's Upcoming Reimagining Of The Classic Tale Of 'Cinderella.'

Disney's 1950 animated take on the tale is probably the most well-known version of the story, which has its roots in 17th century folklore, and the studios is set to reimagine the legend for a modern audience with actors instead of animation.

Continue reading: Disney Reveal 'Cinderella' Live Action Reimagining: How Dark Will It Be? [Trailer]

Downton Abbey will return to PBS for a fourth season this Sunday, 5 January, and anticipation for the quintessentially English period drama couldn't be higher in the United States. The early 20th century-set story of British aristocracy couldn't be further from the days spent by the modern Americans who will sit down in their droves to check out the new season, but can the escapist piece move America once again?

The big bad boys of Downton will be back

The Americanisation of the show, it's preoccupation with popular culture intertwined with the prevalent and glaring theme of British social history, is what has made it such a success on both sides of the Atlantic, and this American distinction will only increase in season four. In particular, one of the integral story lines of the season involves the Earl of Downton's niece and her courting of an African-American man, one that obviously hold higher implications not just because he is American.

Continue reading: Downton's Back, Alright! Downton Abbey Returns To US Screens

Downton Abbey came to a close in the UK last night (10 Nov.) on ITV and even though it won't air in the US (on PBS) until January, producers of the show and bosses at the UK station have already agreed to bring the show back for a fifth run. ITV and co-producer Carnival Films announced Sunday (10 Nov.) that the Crawley family will be back for at least one more time, as the channel continues to capitalise on its most successful export.

Hugh Bonnevile and co. keeping the grounds of Downton Abbey reputable

According to ITV, the program brings in an average of at least 24 million viewers each week when it airs in the US, making it the most-watched drama in PBS' history. Understandably, both ITV and PBS want to continue capitalising on the immense success of the series and a fifth season seems like the most logical step fo producers to take. The hit series has already been sold to over 220 territoires and has an estimated global audience of 120 million people.

Continue reading: 'Downton Abbey' Green-Lit For Fifth Season

Downton Abbey is moving through the years with gusto, and already we're seeing some of the effects of time play havoc with the lives of some of the landed gentry trying to keep up with the break neck pace of the Roarin' Twenties. In the latest episode there were taboos of yesteryear broken at every turn. We look back at episode six of the current (fourth) season and try and keep up with the changing face of the 20th century along with the cast. The rest of this article contains spoilers.

I say sir!

One thing that did become clear early on in the episode was that, with the season hitting the half way mark, plot devices were being shoved in here there and everywhere to gear up the season for its final episode, which will air around Christmas time. The first little glimpse of the season closer came when the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) received a letter from Uncle Harold in America, stating that he had gotten himself into “a proper fix” over oil leases. The letter will make Paul Giamatti's entrance into the series at Christmas just that little less surprising now, but chances are you've already heard about his special guest spot by now anyway.

Continue reading: 'Downton Abbey' Recap: Season Four, Episode Six

Disney’s first live action feature – an adaptation of Cinderella, starring Downton Abbey star Lily James has been attracting buzz for several months. Today, the studio announced the start of principle photography on the film, which is directed by Award-nominee Kenneth Branagh (Jack Ryan, Thor) and will also feature a star-studded cast in the supporting roles. Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (The Aviator) and Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) have both signed on to play the stepmother Lady Tremaine and the Prince, respectively. Helena Bonham Carter, playing against type this time, will portray the Fairy Godmother.

The film will be a reimagining of the classic Disney animation.

It seems that Disney are throwing all their resources behind their first live-action feature effort and have enlisted Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Elysium), Allison Shearmur (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), David Barron (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Jack Ryan) to produce the film, based on a screenplay by Chris Weitz (About a Boy, The Golden Compass).

Continue reading: Production Begins On 'Cinderella' - Disney's First Ever Live Action Feature

Downton Abbey isn’t returning to the screen for a while now, but the show is keeping viewers on their toes, having just released stills of Gary Carr filming scenes for series four. Carr has been announced as the new addition to the cast, playing the show’s first black character. His character, American jazz singer Jack Ross, will join the previously all white cast this fall.

The stills are hinting at a close friendship or a possible romance beween Jack Ross and Lady Rose.

In the stills released, Ross is scene rowing down the river with Lilly James’s Lady Rose MacClare, hinting at a possible romance between the rebellious young woman and the still rather mysterious new character. The stills were released, courtesy of the Daily Mail. 26-year-old Carr, who is currently best known for his role as the inept policeman Fidel Best in BBC’s Death in Paradise, will be only one of a few upcoming additions to the cast. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Nigel Harman will also be joining the programme. Carr’s casting came following a statement from programme creator Julian Fellowes saying he wanted to diversify Downton for series four.

Continue reading: First Stills Of Gary Carr In Downton Abbey Hint At Possible New Romance Plot

Why Baby Why: The country music world lost a true legend in the shape of George Jones last week. The musician was dubbed No Show George for his unpredictability throughout his touring career though he never failed to entertain and certainly had a tale to tell. The musical luminaries turned out en masse for his funeral too.

The Slipper Fits: Lily James landed the biggest role of her short career this week, filing the part of Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh's new big-budget movie for Disney. You may remember that Emma Watson turned down the role earlier this year - could that be a movie that comes back to haunt her? 

Continue reading: A Week In News: Tributes Paid To George Jones, Tyler The Creator Finds Controversy, Lily Collins Goes Zombie-Hunting

Downton Abbey starlet Lily James has found a new outlet for her talents, as the star of Disney’s upcoming live action adaptation of Cinderella. We’ve already witnessed James’s ability to portray dainty, elegant characters in her role as Lady Rose on Downton, but it will be interesting to see what the actress brings to the role of Cinderella. Particularly because the recent string of fairy tale adaptations haven’t done too well at the box office (see: Jack The Giant Slayer or Red Riding Hood). This one has been in the works for a while, though, reportedly ever since the release of Tim Burton’s wonky retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Then again, that movie was nothing to rave about either, so are we to expect anything different from this go-around?

Well, some pretty notable people have completed drafts for the script for this one: Twilight: New Moon’s Chris Weitz and The Devil Wears Prada’s Aline Brosh McKenna. In addition to James, Cate Blanchett is set to co-star as Cinderella’s evil step mom. Ok, we know it all sounds pretty low-brow so far. Add to all this the fact that Emma Watson turned down the part, before it was offered to James and the full picture starts to clear up – namely, another fairytale adaptation we won’t be paying to see.

We can definitely picture James fitting into that little glass slipper. 

The Downton Abbey actress Lily James has landed the role of Cinderella in Disney's live-action retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy-tale, reports Variety. Kenneth Branagh will direct the project, based on a script by Chris Weitz. Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett co-stars as the evil stepmother.

James is a name that's hardly been mentioned throughout the casting process, with Disney originally offering the role to Harry Potter star Emma Watson. On that occasion - Variety's Marc Graser (who broke news of Lily James' casting) - reported how negotiations had broken down, with Watson instead choosing to focus on Guillermo del Toro's planned Beauty and the Beast movie, over at Warner Bros. The film is still in development at the studio, though there's no production start date or release date yet.

Lily James began her career in several notable theatre roles, including alongside Dominic West in a production of Othello at the Crucible in Sheffield. She went onto star in Vernon God Little at the Young Vic Theatre. She landed a movie roles in Noel Clarke's 2012 film Fast Girls about a group of young female athletes competing in the World Championships before appearing in Wrath of the Titans, alongside Rosamund Pike, Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson. Her television credits include Secret Diary of a Call Girl and season three of Downton Abbey. 

Continue reading: The Slipper Fits! Lily James Snags Role As Disney's Cinderella: Who Is She?