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25 Years Later: 7 Shocking Secrets And Where The Ever After Cast Is Now (2025 Update)

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Few romantic period dramas have achieved the timeless, empowering status of *Ever After: A Cinderella Story*, the 1998 film that reimagined the classic fairy tale as a historical fiction set during the French Renaissance. As we look back in late 2025, the film’s quarter-century milestone continues to spark renewed interest, thanks in part to recent, heartwarming cast reunions and the enduring themes of a self-rescuing princess. This definitive, deep-dive article explores the latest on the beloved cast and uncovers the most unique, behind-the-scenes secrets that cemented the film’s legacy as the superior Cinderella adaptation. The film's enduring appeal lies in its commitment to realism—a "Cinderella" story without a Fairy Godmother, focusing instead on Danielle de Barbarac's intellect, resilience, and compassion. The recent 25th-anniversary celebrations have brought the main cast back into the spotlight, reminding fans just how influential this movie remains for an entire generation who grew up believing a woman could save herself and still get the prince. The modern careers of the stars, from a talk show host to a horror icon, prove that the film’s magic is still very much alive.

The Ever After Cast: Full Biography and 2025 Current Projects

The core ensemble of *Ever After* remains one of the most recognizable and talented groups in romantic cinema history. Here is a look at the main cast, their roles, and their latest projects as of 2025.
  • Drew Barrymore (Danielle de Barbarac)

    Role: The compassionate, strong-willed, and educated heroine who is forced into servitude by her stepmother. Danielle, a "socialist Cinderella," is known for her iconic line, "I shall simply say that I am a servant and be done with it."

    Current Status (2025): Barrymore is a highly successful talk show host with *The Drew Barrymore Show*, where she recently hosted the 25th-anniversary reunion of the *Ever After* cast. She continues to be a major figure in film production and entrepreneurship, often citing Danielle as her favorite role.

  • Anjelica Huston (Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent)

    Role: The cruel, calculating, and iconic stepmother who views her stepdaughter, Danielle, as a commodity and a nuisance. Rodmilla’s motivation is driven by fear of poverty and a desire to secure her own daughters' futures.

    Current Status (2025): A celebrated Oscar-winning actress, Huston is set to star in the upcoming family horror film *Legacy*, alongside Lucy Hale, and is also listed in the cast for the 2025/2026 thriller *Towards Zero*. She is also part of the star-studded cast of the *John Wick* spin-off, *Ballerina*, scheduled for a 2025 release.

  • Dougray Scott (Prince Henry)

    Role: The spoiled, restless, and disillusioned Prince of France who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after meeting Danielle. His character arc is a major part of the film's progressive themes.

    Current Status (2025): Scott remains a prolific actor in film and television. Following his critically acclaimed role in *Crime*, he is starring in the upcoming BBC drama series *Crookhaven* and is also executive producing and starring in a new series titled *Fairytale Detective*.

  • Melanie Lynskey (Jacqueline)

    Role: Rodmilla's kind-hearted, overlooked, and non-cruel daughter, who eventually finds her voice and helps Danielle.

    Current Status (2025): Lynskey has achieved massive critical success, notably as a lead in the hit psychological drama series *Yellowjackets*. In 2025/2026, she is also starring in the drama film *Pike River*. She was a key participant in the recent *Ever After* cast reunion.

  • Megan Dodds (Marguerite)

    Role: Rodmilla's aggressively cruel and self-centered biological daughter, who is focused solely on marrying Prince Henry for status.

    Current Status (2025): Dodds, a Juilliard graduate, continues her career in film, television, and theatre. She was featured in the 25th-anniversary reunion on *The Drew Barrymore Show* and has a distinguished career in projects like *CSI: NY* and various stage productions.

  • Patrick Godfrey (Leonardo da Vinci)

    Role: The historical figure, Renaissance genius, and confidant of Prince Henry who acts as a sort of "surrogate Fairy Godmother" for Danielle.

    Current Status (2025): A veteran English actor, Godfrey has a long list of credits, including notable roles in *The Importance of Being Earnest* and *A Room with a View*. He continues to be an active, respected figure in the British acting community.

The Radical Reinvention: Why Ever After is the Ultimate Cinderella Story

The film's full title, *Ever After: A Cinderella Story*, is a deliberate choice, signaling its intention to move beyond the traditional, magical narrative. Director Andy Tennant and his co-writers, Susannah Grant and Rick Parks, crafted a story that is less about transformation and more about authenticity, earning it a unique place in the fairy tale canon.

The biggest departure from the Charles Perrault and Brothers Grimm versions is the complete absence of magic. There is no pumpkin carriage, no talking mice, and crucially, no Fairy Godmother. Instead, the role of benevolent guide and miracle-worker is given to the historical figure, Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci’s involvement—from retrieving the slipper to advising Prince Henry—grounds the story in the Renaissance era. This choice shifts the focus from supernatural intervention to human ingenuity and the power of great minds.

Danielle, or Danielle de Barbarac, is often hailed as a "Socialist Cinderella" for her commitment to justice, her ability to read *Utopia* by Thomas More, and her willingness to physically save herself and others. She is a self-rescuing heroine who confronts her stepmother, challenges the Prince’s privilege, and demands respect. Her strength is rooted in her education and moral conviction, a progressive message that resonates powerfully with modern audiences looking for feminist themes in classic stories. The film’s opening scene, featuring the Brothers Grimm, further reinforces the idea that this is the “true” story, passed down and intentionally stripped of its fantastical elements.

Behind the Scenes: 5 Secrets That Defined the Classic Film

The production of *Ever After* was as memorable as the story itself, involving stunning European locations, high-end fashion, and some surprising casting maneuvers that secured its status as a beloved classic.
  1. The Iconic Glass Slippers Were High Fashion.

    The famous glass slippers—which in this version are a gift from Leonardo da Vinci—were not just movie props. They were custom-made by the prestigious Italian luxury house Salvatore Ferragamo. This detail cemented the film’s blend of historical period piece and high-end romantic fantasy, giving the prop a real-world pedigree.

  2. Drew Barrymore’s Name Secured Anjelica Huston.

    Recruiting an actress of Anjelica Huston's caliber for the role of the villainous Baroness Rodmilla was a coup. Drew Barrymore later revealed that her famous last name—a lineage of acting royalty—was instrumental in convincing Huston to join the project, a fact the two reminisced about during their recent reunion.

  3. The Prince Henry Role Almost Went to Jude Law.

    Before Dougray Scott was cast as the charmingly flawed Prince Henry, the role was reportedly offered to English actor Jude Law. Law ultimately turned it down, opening the door for Scott, who brought a necessary blend of swagger and vulnerability to the Prince’s character arc.

  4. The Stunning French Castles Are All Real.

    To achieve the film’s opulent, authentic Renaissance look, the production was shot entirely on location in France, primarily in the Dordogne region. The majestic family home of Danielle and Rodmilla was the real Château de Hautefort. Other key locations included the Château de Fénelon and the Château de Losse, providing a breathtaking, genuine backdrop that no soundstage could replicate.

  5. Director Andy Tennant’s Unexpected Career Path.

    Director Andy Tennant, who brilliantly balanced the film's drama and romance, had a surprising lead-up to *Ever After*. His previous directorial feature was the 1995 Olsen Twins comedy, *It Takes Two*. This stark contrast showcases his versatility and ability to pivot from lighthearted comedy to a sophisticated period drama.

The continued fan devotion, the recent cast reunions, and the countless articles celebrating its 25th anniversary prove that *Ever After: A Cinderella Story* is more than just a fairy tale. It is a powerful, progressive statement on feminism, class, and the idea that true love is earned through character, not magic. Its legacy of the self-rescuing princess, Danielle de Barbarac, ensures its place as a classic for generations to come.

ever after with drew barrymore
ever after with drew barrymore

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