Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum Interview: Sneakerella
Sneakerella, which premiered on Disney+ this week,is a brand-new Cinderella retelling that flips the story on its head in more ways than one. Not only is it a modern-day adaptation of the classic princess story with a new set of songs that reflect its big city vibes, it also gives viewers a male Ella and Princess Charming instead of what they've come to expect. Chosen Jacobs (from the It franchise) plays El, a young man with big dreams working in his stepfather's store, while Lexi Underwood (Little Fires Everywhere) plays Kira King, whose father runs a shoe empire.
Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (who has previously helmed episodes of Dead To Me and All American), Sneakerella explores family and financial troubles in a nuanced way, while also reversing the original story's power dynamic in an interesting way. A common interest in King sneakers - which serve as the film's glass slippers — also expands the love story and allows it to tie in with themes of personal growth and career opportunities, all set to dance sequences that will have audiences tapping their toes along with the cast.
Related: Disney’s Modern Princess Standards Don’t Give Cinderella Enough Respect
Sneakerella's director spoke to Screen Rant about how the character of Cinderella can be a role model to young men, how the imaginative sneaker designs were conceived, and the work that went into the musical numbers.
Screen Rant: I had so much fun with Sneakerella, and I really loved that Darius was not one note. He had a very complicated and full relationship with his family. Can you talk about doubling family and business, and how that works out for Darius?
John Salley: Well, it works out really well for Darius King. But it's really hard in business,
Read more on screenrant.com
