Disney+ Developing SNEAKERELLA, a Cinderella-Inspired Fairy Tale Film Set in Sneaker Culture
Disney+ has announced a new film project titled Sneakerella, which is a pop/hip-hop musical take on the Cinderella fairy tale that is set in the sneaker culture.
The film will star Chosen Jacobs (It) and Lexi Underwood (Little Fires Everywhere) alongside four-time NBA Champion John Salley.
Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, “Sneakerella introduces El (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 hides his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers who constantly stomp on any opportunity that comes his way. When El meets Kira King (Underwood), the fiercely independent daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King (Salley), sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. With a little nudge from his best friend and a sprinkle of Fairy Godfather magic, El finds the courage to use his talent to pursue his dream of becoming a 'legit' sneaker designer in the industry.”
Lauren Kisilevsky, vice president, Original Movies, Disney Channel said in a statement:
"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.”
Additional casting includes Devyn Nekoda (Backstage) as El's best friend Sami; Juan Chioran (Cheetah Girls) as El's friendly neighbor Gustavo; Robyn Alomar (Utopia Falls) as Kira's sister Liv; Bryan Terrell Clark (Hamilton! on Broadway) as El's stepfather Trey; Kolton Stewart (Locke & Key) and Hayward Leach (Dare and Truth) as El's stepbrothers Zelly and Stacy, respectively.
Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted) and Rachel Watanabe-Batton (I Pity the Fool) serve as executive producers, with Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (Ramona and Beezus) who will also direct the film. The script was written by Tamara Chestna (After) and George Gore II (My Wife and Kids) and Mindy Stern (The Baxters).