Cinderella with Pop Inspiration? Screenwriter Reveals Britney Spears Influenced Hilary Duff’s Character
Teen rom-com classic “A Cinderella Story” turns 20 this year, and it seems there’s a little-known secret about the inspiration behind the main character, Sam Montgomery (played by Hilary Duff). In a recent interview, Leigh Dunlap, the film’s screenwriter, revealed that pop icon Britney Spears was the original muse for the character!
According to Dunlap, she was on a train when she saw a magazine cover featuring Britney Spears, and it sparked the initial idea for the movie. At the time, Spears was a young star known for her energy and independence, qualities Dunlap envisioned in the character of Sam.
However, by the time the script went into production, a few years had passed and Britney’s image had evolved. The filmmakers ultimately felt Hilary Duff, a rising Disney Channel star with a relatable and charming personality, was a better fit for the role.
While the film took inspiration from Britney’s early career vibe, it ultimately became a story uniquely suited to Hilary Duff’s strengths. “A Cinderella Story” went on to become a box office success and a beloved coming-of-age film for a generation.
This revelation adds a new layer to the film’s legacy. It highlights the creative spark that can come from unexpected sources and the importance of finding the right actor to embody a character’s essence.
So, what do you think? Did you know about this connection between Britney Spears and “A Cinderella Story”?