'Cinderella' producer reveals Brandy's reaction to call from idol and on-screen fairy godmother Whitney Houston
"Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella," the 1997 film starring Brandy Norwood as the titular princess and the late Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother, is officially coming to Disney+ this month.
There were 60 million households tuned in when it first aired and the film has lived on in the hearts of many as the cultural significance has continued to grow.
For many, singer and actress Brandy became Disney's first Black princess when she stepped into the iconic glass slippers.
Power producer Debra Martin Chase took a gamble to shake up the Hollywood classic with a multicultural cast and told "Good Morning America" that "nothing like this had ever been done before."
"I think it changed how people saw themselves and saw the power of entertainment and how they wanted to view the world," she said. "Growing up I very rarely saw people that looked like -- me. And I wanted to change it."
Chase said that Houston and Brandy's relationship and chemistry was palpable from the moment they were cast.
"Whitney was truly her idol. Whitney picked up the phone, called her and said 'how would you like me to be your fairy godmother?' And Brandy burst into tears," Chase recalled.
Viewers at home will now be able to enjoy the live-action musical, which also starred Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Alexander, Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber, Paolo Montalbán, Veanne Cox and Natalie Desselle-Reid, who died in December.
Brandy and Goldberg reunited during an appearance on "The View" Thursday to announce the big news. They reflected on the movie and sang one of its biggest songs, "Impossible."
"It's pretty remarkable that people have been begging for 'Cinderella' to be re-released for almost 24 years. What do you think? Is it possible?" Whoopi asked. Brandy responded, "It's definitely possible."
Twelve million was a major movie budget at the time and the film broke ground for a new kind of masterclass in diversity.
Montalbán told "GMA" that part of the reason it was such a success, was due in part to Houston's star power on-screen and as a producer.
"She wanted little Black girls to see themselves as the princess. She wanted little Asian boys and Latino boys to see themselves as the prince," he said. "The thing I am most proud about is that little boys and little girls of every culture feel included in this story."
Expressing her appreciation for "Cinderella" fans, Brandy said she's "excited" for the film to hit Disney+ so everyone "can celebrate, share and inspire a whole new generation."
"Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" quickly became a fan favorite, inspiring millions of Black princesses across the world to wear braids like Brandy does in the movie.
Houston also served as executive producer of the film, which earned seven Emmy nominations. It was celebrated for its diverse representation and for unforgettable songs like "Impossible," "In My Own Little Corner," "Ten Minutes Ago" and "A Lovely Night."
"Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" arrives on Disney+ Friday, Feb. 12.
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