Saoirse Ronan has reportedly once again become the frontrunner for Disney's Cinderella film, a day after Emma Watson officially denied the offer.
Saoirse Ronan when she was younger
Watson's decision was understandable, especially considering that she already has Warner Brothers' Beauty and the Beast adaptation with Guillermo Del Toro in the works. With this new development, the frontrunner status for the film has already been shifted to Saoirse Ronan.
While Disney probably wanted a bigger name for Cinderella, especially as it's likely to be a big-budget film, Ronan was said to be the original contender for the role. Many sites were mentioning her name, along with relative newcomers Alicia Vikander and Gabriella Wilde, as the ones battling out to play the lead.
Saoirse Ronan headlines 'The Host'
Of course Ronan, with her ethereal looks and critical acclaim, has now been singled out to take the lead. If she were to accept, she will be reunited with her Hanna co-star Cate Blanchett.
The pitch for this live action adaptation of Cinderella originally sold for seven figures, and the studio has since hired Chris Weitz to write the screenplay. Disney seems to be getting it ready for a summer or winter 2014 release, which means they are planning to release in right in blockbuster season. Kenneth Branagh has also been selected to direct the film.
The live Q & A with Saoirse Ronan and the Host cast
