Billy Porter to play 'genderless' Fairy Godmother in Cinderella remake

Billy Porter has been cast in the role of Fairy Godmother in a remake of the children's classic, Cinderella. 

The live-action reboot is due out in 2021 and is also reported to star Camila Cabello, Pierce Brosnan, Missy Elliott and James Corden. 

Porter, who is openly gay and famed for his tuxedo gowns, told CBS News that it was "a classic fairytale for a new generation".

The Pose star called his casting in the adaptation "profound". 

"It hit me when I was on the set last week, how profound it is that I am playing the Fairy Godmother — they call it the Fab G," he said. 

"Magic has no gender."

He continued: "We are presenting this character as genderless — at least that's how I'm playing it. And it's really powerful. 

"I think the new generation is really ready. The kids are ready. It's the grownups that are slowing stuff down," he said.

Porter also spoke about his gender-bending fashion choices, saying he was inspired by playing Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway.

"Playing that role made me feel grounded and more powerful," Porter said. "Putting on those heels, putting on those dresses, putting on those wigs, made me feel more powerful, grounded and — dare I say — masculine, than I've ever felt in my whole life," he said. 

His casting as the Fairy Godmother was criticised by Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan, who tweeted: "A godmother is a woman, not 'genderless'."

View this post on Instagram

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. 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 good will 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. #sesamestreet #season51 ???? ????????@pbs . . Wearing custom @csiriano Styling by @sammyratelle

A post shared by Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) on

" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
News
Mission Aviation Fellowship makes Sudan a fresh ministry priority amid humanitarian crisis
Mission Aviation Fellowship makes Sudan a fresh ministry priority amid humanitarian crisis

The Christian aviation charity is ending its ministry in Tanzania after more than six “decades of transformation” as its humanitarian focus shifts to the Sudan crisis.

When ‘my truth’ replaces the truth
When ‘my truth’ replaces the truth

We live in changing times, where feelings about how we “identify” now hold more authority than facts.

Christian pro-life volunteer denies five fresh charges in abortion buffer zone case
Christian pro-life volunteer denies five fresh charges in abortion buffer zone case

A Christian charity volunteer has pleaded not guilty to five charges of breaching an abortion clinic buffer zone in Birmingham, as her lawyers challenge whether the prosecution should proceed.

Can we really think ourselves happy?
Can we really think ourselves happy?

There is growing evidence that people living with neglected tropical diseases, including leprosy, experience significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety, with discrimination and social exclusion among the factors contributing to this burden.