Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is finally coming to Disney Plus. On Thursday (Feb. 4), the network made the announcement on Twitter. “Anything is possible. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella arrives February 12 to #DisneyPlus. #Cinderella1997,” the Disney Plus Twitter account tweeted.
Since last year, fans have been urging Disney to add the 1997 film, which stars Brandy and Whitney Houston, to their popular streaming service. Last summer, the “Sittin’ Up In My Room” singer joined the call for the film to be re-released. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said.
On Nov. 2, 1997, Cinderella premiered during ABC’s “The Wonderful World of Disney.” More than 60 million viewers tuned in to watch the live-action adaptation of the classic Disney cartoon. Brandy played Cinderella and Houston played her fairy godmother.
The film was instantly praised for celebrating diversity and representation through its cast, which also included Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber, Jason Alexander, Paolo Montalban, Veanne Cox, and the late Natalie Desselle-Reid, who passed away in December from colon cancer. The movie also featured several original songs, including “Ten Minutes Ago,” “In My Own Little Corner,” “A Lovely Night” and the fan-favorite, “Impossible.”
“I am absolutely thrilled that our Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will finally be available on Disney Plus!” producer Debra Martin Chase told Variety. “As the service got up and running, I became inundated on my social media by inquiries from fans asking why the movie was not included in its programming.”
On Thursday (Feb. 4), Brandy appeared on “The View” talk about the film’s return with her former Cinderella co-star, Whoopi Goldberg. “It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for Cinderella to be re-released for almost 24 years. I mean, what do you think, is it possible?” Goldberg asked.
“It’s definitely possible. I appreciate the fans,” Brandy replied. “I’m so excited that Cinderella has a home now at Disney Plus and we can celebrate, and share, and inspire a whole new generation.”
Check out a clip of Brandy’s interview below.