Sony's upcoming adaption of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, will reportedly feature a "genderless" Fairy Godmother, actor Billy Porter revealed in a recent interview.
Porter, who is known for his roles in American Horror Story, Kinky Boots and Pose, will be portraying the character, and told CBS News that "magic has no gender".
The film, which reportedly started filming last month, has quite the celebrity cast, alongside Porter, Camilla Cabello is starring as Cinderella, Idina Menzel as the stepmother, and Pierce Brosnan as the king.
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Speaking to CBS News about his role, Porter stated that it was "profound" and "powerful" that he was awarded the opportunity to play the Fairy Godmother. "It hit me when I was on set last week that how profound it is that I am playing the Fairy Godmother. They call it the ‘Fab G," the 50-year-old said.
"Magic has no gender. We are presenting this character as genderless – at least that’s how I’m playing it, and it’s really powerful. You know, this is a classic. It’s a classic fairy tale for a new generation," he continued. "I think that the new generation is really ready. The kids are ready, it’s the grown ups that are slowing stuff down."
The film, which was written by James Cordon, is expected to hit cinemas in February of 2021.
Watch the interview below:
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"This Cinderella is a classic fairytale for a new generation. To be able to play this genderless, fabulous fairy godmother - what a gift," Porter later wrote on Twitter, regarding his upcoming role.
The actor is also due to feature on an episode of the classic children's television show, Sesame Street, where he will once more don the infamous tuxedo dress he wore to the Academy Awards.
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"One of the highlights of my life has been the opportunity to sing on the set of @sesamestreet with my new pal, Penelope the penguin," he wrote on Instagram.
"Together, we sang about the possibilities of new friendships with those who may not be exactly like us. I know people are all up in arms about me wearing the gorgeous custom @csiriano tuxedo dress that I wore at @theacademy awards in 2019 for the upcoming season. If you follow me, however, you know the impact it had. The emails, DMs, and messages of goodwill I received that day (and continue to receive) from parents and their children who have been bullied all over the world and desperately need to see someone like me, being their authentic selves on mainstream media, is far more important than anything #onemillionmoms could ever say. Friendship, kindness and inclusivity shall triumph. And often, it simply starts by saying hi."