Helena Bonham Carter as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother

Helena Bonham Carter – Not Your Mama’s Fairy Godmother

If you thought Cate Blanchett being cast as the wicked stepmother in the upcoming release of Cinderella was an odd choice, hang on to your hats while we wait to see the ever-eccentric Helena Bonham Carter take over the role of the fairy godmother.

One of the biggest bits of controversy surrounding the upcoming release is the casting choices to play some of the most iconic roles in history. It started with the graceful pass on the leading role, by Emma Watson, and then the casting of relative newcomer Lily James to fill the role. Cate Blanchett, who seems about as warm and cuddly as they come was then cast into the role of the evil stepmother, which left fans scratching their heads while they are left to wonder if the 45-year-old blonde can do the role justice. Some say she’s too young, others clamor that she’s too pretty, and still others are unsure as to whether or not she can play a convincing villain. So, when Helena Bonham Carter was announced as the new fairy godmother, needless to say, the internet went a little crazy.

It seems an obvious choice to flip the two, with Carter manning the role of the wicked stepmother, while the graceful Blanchett takes over as the fairy godmother, but some of the greatest performances in cinematic history were all due to seemingly odd casting choices (see: Ledger, Heath as the Joker).

Previous roles have showed Carter’s performance ability is on par with Hollywood’s elite. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (parts 1 & 2), The King’s Speech, Alice in Wonderland, Great Expectations, Les Miserables, The Lone Ranger, Fight Club, and her voice role in The Corpse Bride shows us just the depth and range of this talented actress. In fact, the resume alone is enough to make some A-List stars begin to envy her body of work.

While it may have seemed an odd choice, Helena Bonham Carter certainly has the skill to handle the role, and if past performances have been any indication, this surprising choice may just be her most awe-inspiring yet. The role comes with its challenges, sure, but the quirky, yet lovable star certainly has the ability to make the character believable. I’m excited to see the creative liberties she is allowed when playing the slightly off kilter version of the original rotund granny in the 1950’s Disney animated musical.

Could this be the role that nets her that much-coveted Academy Award, having been twice-nominated already? Make sure you catch her performance when Cinderella hits theatres on March 13!

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