In his quest to reconceive myth and legend, Tennant brought together two stars who not only seem born to play their respective roles, but represent the uniting of two Hollywood dynasties. Drew Barrymore, the youngest member of the famed acting family (she's the granddaughter of John), plays Danielle, the orphan child who, in Tennant's film, is anything but the passive victim most often depicted in legend. Anjelica Huston, daughter of famed filmmaker John Huston and granddaughter of Walter Huston, portrays Rodmilla, Danielle's upwardly mobile stepmother.

Barrymore has been a star since Steven Spielberg cast her in "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial." As an adult performer Barrymore has appeared in "The Wedding Singer," "Boys on the Side," "Everyone Says I Love You" and "Scream." She worked with director Andy Tennant previously on the telefilm "The Amy Fisher Story" as the headline making Long Island Lolita.

For Barrymore the role of Danielle offered an irresistible opportunity to play someone she sees as "a very positive role model for young women, someone classy and fun." Continues the actress: "She's athletic and protective of people. She's adventurous, very strong and a survivor. She's well read, too, because her father gave her wonderfully eloquent, elaborate literature."

"In short, she is a 'Cinderella' for a new generation," Barrymore adds. "She definitely is not a passive character."

With her character's strength and sensibilities, the mythic romance between Danielle/Cinderella and the prince seems almost, to Barrymore, like an afterthought. "Oh, yes," she adds with a laugh, "a prince falls in love with her!"

Anjelica Huston has become one of the most gifted talents of her generation and an Oscar^® winner for "Prizzi's Honor," directed by her father John Huston. Her other credits include "The Addams Family," "Crimes and Misdemeanors" and "Manhattan Murder Mystery." She was Oscar^®-nominated for her performances in "Enemies, A Love Story" and "The Grifters." Huston was Tennant's first choice for the stepmother; the part was in fact written with her in mind. "It's nice to be wanted," Huston says of Tennant tailoring the role for her. The story's positive values were another enticement. "It's good to be doing this kind of movie at a time when there are so many films being made about tough, evil subjects," she shares. "Being involved with something sweet and tender was a delight."

With Tennant and co-writers Susannah Grant and Rick Parks giving the stepmother some heretofore unseen quirky comedic twists, Huston found much to latch on to. She also sees the humor as adding some realism to the character. "Giving Rodmilla a light edge makes her more believable," she explains. Starring with these two formidable actors is relative newcomer Dougray Scott. The Welsh-born actor has his biggest role thus far as Prince Henry. But the film had attractions other than the size of his role. "EVER AFTER is unashamedly romantic, without being sentimental. The prince is such a famous character, but when I read the script I didn't see him as a 'fairy tale' figure. He's a realistic and flawed character who has a life, a history - and his own agenda."

Legendary actress Jeanne Moreau makes a special appearance as the Grand Dame of France, the only woman who knows the truth behind the Cinderella legend. The presence of such a formidable actor was initially intimidating for some cast members. But their fears were allayed. Moreau was totally accessible, volunteering to pose for pictures and taking time to chat with many members of the EVER AFTER production team.

Also having a brief, but key role in the film is noted international star Jeroen Krabbé ("Prince of Tides," "The Fugitive"). The Dutch actor plays Danielle's beloved father, whose death helps shape her ultimate destiny. While the beloved fairy tale has also pictured Cinderella's stepsisters as homely (or downright ugly), in EVER AFTER, they are attractive young women whose beauty, alas, is only skin deep. Megan Dodds, who makes her film debut, plays Marguerite and Melanie Lynskey, who made her film debut in "Heavenly Creatures," is Jacqueline.

Cinderella's godmother is no fantasy little old lady, but a flesh and blood Leonardo da Vinci (played by veteran character actor Patrick Godfrey), thus grafting a whole new element onto the Brothers Grimm tale. Also co-starring are distinguished British actors Timothy West and Judy Parfitt as the King and Queen of France, and Richard O'Brien ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show") as the odious and lascivious Pierre le Pieu.