Just weeks after losing director Mark Romanek, Walt Disney Pictures is in talks with Kenneth Branagh to direct their live-action version of Cinderella. Mark Romanek left the project because his vision was too dark and edgy for the studio.

Cate Blanchett is still attached to play the wicked stepmother, although the production has still not found their title character yet. We reported in November that actresses such as Saoirse Ronan (The Host), Alicia Vikander (The Seventh Son), and Gabriella Wilde (Carrie) are in contention for the role.

If a deal is finalized, Kenneth Branagh will direct from a screenplay by Chris Weitz, who rewrote the original draft by Aline Brosh McKenna. Simon Kinberg is producing for Disney.

If everything falls into place, the studio hopes to start shooting in London this fall.