Cinderella: When Billy Porter was reminded of Whitney Houston’s iconic portrayal as a fairy godmother

Billy Porter told Camilla Cabello on their first meeting that he was her real-life Fab G as well and would always be there for her.

Billy Porter as Fairy G, in a still from the trailer.

Camilla Cabello’s musical modern fairy tale Cinderella, the latest adaptation of the classic fairy tale that dropped on Amazon Prime Video on September 3 has been liked by some and lumped by others. The plot follows Cinderella who aspires to be a businesswoman and goes against the age-old patriarchy system. With the timely help of her Fab G, the revisionary, modern avatar of the Fairy Godmother from the classic, she turns her dreams into reality.

Fab G, played by Billy Porter couldn’t have got a better fit for the role. The American actor and singer, who tasted fame as a Broadway performer before making it as a solo singer and actor, has been appreciated for his stand-out red carpet looks and performances as well. As the oh-so-fashionable Fab G to Camilla’s Cinderella, he brings on the extra zing to the role. Director Kay Shannon noted that Porter was the only one as per him who ‘could play this part.’ "Casting him as the Fabulous Godmother was the easiest decision I had to make. He is magic,” he said, according to Mid-day, adding that the role was tailor-made for him

Speaking on the offer for the role, Billy Porter said that he was reminded of the memorable portrayal of the character from before a quarter-century, which was pulled off with Elan by iconic American singer and actor Whitney Houston. Citing the 1997 movie version that made waves among the fans of the classic, he said that he couldn’t think beyond the thought that he would be playing her iconic part, who was his ‘queen’. “This idea that magic has no gender and that the world is ready for a different kind of Fab G is just beyond,” he said while also adding that the character manifested a personal touch of his African-American queer man identity, somehow reflecting his journey in the industry.

ALSO READ: Camila Cabello: I love that Cinderella doesn't want a prince and dares to be different in this movie

Porter also added that Camilla’s work ethic impressed him, for the four days of shoot that they had together. He added that she is ‘grounded’ and ‘like a sponge’ and that he wishes to be friends with her for long.

Reminiscing on meeting Porter for the first time, Camilla said that Porter told her that he was her Fab G in real life too. “You need anything, anytime, call me,” she told the portal.

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