Disney Announces Hip-Hop Cinderella Musical 'Sneakerella'
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Magic, music and a lost shoe are at the core of Disney's beloved fairy tale Cinderella - and now they are giving the story a vibrant, sporty revamp in a new film set to be released next year.
Swapping a glass slipper for a sneaker, the pop/hip-hop musical Sneakerella is inspired by the folk tale about a young woman who lives in tragic circumstances as she is mistreated by her evil step-mother and sisters.
Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, the modern day fairytale will introduce us to El (Chosen Jacobs), an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother.
El lives with his overworked stepfather and two-mean spirited stepbrothers who stomp on El's dreams.
El meets Kira King (Lexi Underwood) , the daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King, played by four-time NBA Champion John Salley, and sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. El finds the courage to use his talent to pursue his dream of becoming a professional designer.
Cinderella has been a Disney staple ever since Walt Disney adapted the fairy tale as an animated musical fantasy film in 1950. It was the studio's 12th animated film, featured the stunning song 'A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Make'", and eventually led to more classics like Mulan and Frozen.
More recently, Cinderella was one of the first Disney classics to receive a live action adaption when Lily James donned the iconic blue gown and played the title character in the 2015, Kenneth Branagh-directed version. Bodyguard star Richard Madden played Prince Charming.
A non-Disney adaptation starring pop star Camila Cabello in the titular role is also set to be released next year.
Lauren Kisilevsky, vice president, Original Movies, Disney Channel, said: "Sneakerella brings a vibrant, modern approach to a beloved story by suggesting that magic is the result of hard work and determination and exists within each of us. Liz Allen's unique vision, Lexi and Chosen's amazing chemistry, the incredible music and the gravity-defying choreography, will bring this movie to life and inspire audiences of all ages.
Sneakerella will premiere on Disney+ in 2021.
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