Ten-year old YouTube sensation Sophia Grace Brownlee will no longer be a part of the cast of Disney’s film adaptation of Into the Woods, topbilled by Meryl Streep who plays the role of the wicked witch.
Sophia Grace, discovered when she was eight years old, rose to fame through YouTube, in which a video of her singing Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Superbass” along with her cousin Rosie Grace McClelland. The video went viral and reached the staff of Ellen Degeneres, who later on called on the cousins to appear as guests on The Ellen Show. The British cousins then became regular guests on the show as they continue to charm audiences with their candid answers when interviewed by Ellen. They are also made to sing and dance from time to time, sent on Toys ‘R Us shopping sprees, and were tasked to explore the new expansion in Disneyland California Adventure.
They have also been given the privilege to meet, greet, and interview different celebrities at the red carpet during the MTV Movie Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the Grammys, among others. They also have an occasional segment on Ellen called “Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie” in which they interview celebrities on their own little tea time set up. All their appearances feature the cousins dressed in various tutus and princess-themed attire.
Although Disney did not confirm nor deny, Sophia Grace’s publicist had already squealed that the young star would be playing the role of Little Red Riding Hood in Disney’s film adaptation of Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s hit musical. As rehearsals progressed for the film, however, Sophia Grace was withdrawn from the cast following a joint decision of her parents, the director, and the producers of the film.
Sophia’s father, Dominic Brownlee, explained his side on social micro-blogging site Twitter. He said that the parties involved in the making of the film have agreed that the young celebrity may have the talent, but proved to be too young for the material. The musical does feature blatant sexual undertones between Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, to be played by Johnny Depp. This caused fans of the musical to be concerned that the young star might not be suited for the role. Film director Rob Marshall announced that production had begun for Into the Woods, but Brownlee’s name was not found in the call sheet.
Taking the place of Sophia Grace as Little Red Riding Hood is Lilla Crawford, a 12-year old Broadway actress who played the title role of Annie in the most recent revival of the show. Although only two years older than Sophia Grace, Lilla Crawford is not a stranger to performing, having done commercials as a child. Prior to playing Annie, Lilla Crawford launched her Broadway career when she took on the role of Debbie in the stage adaptation of Billy Elliot. Disney did not give any reasons for choosing Crawford for the role, as they were not involved in confirming Brownlee’s participation in the film.
Joining Lilla Crawford in Into the Woods are Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, James Corden, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, along with a stellar ensemble of characters.
Read more: http://www.thebitbag.com/2013/10/07/sophia-grace-bids-woods-cast-goodbye/#ixzz2h3xNRlep
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